Update: Delta has officially confirmed with DansDeals that they will resume flying to Israel on 5/20!
When United merged with Continental in 2010, they inherited a rich legacy of service to Israel.
Continental launched service to Tel Aviv in August 1999 with their 777-200, just a year after the airline received their first 777. Then CEO Gordon Bethune said that while most new routes take 18 months to become profitable, Newark to Tel Aviv was profitable within 18 days.
A year later, the airline launched its 2nd daily service between Newark and Tel Aviv, making it Continental’s only international route with double daily service at the time, as it became the airline’s most profitable route.
Tower Air shut down in 2000 and TWA closed down in 2001. American took over TWA, but not wanting to pay out TWA pension liabilities, it dropped the Tel Aviv route, which left only Continental and El Al with service between the US and Israel.
After Delta bought Pan Am’s trans-Atlantic routes in 1991, it flew from JFK to Aviv through the mid-90s, before dropping the route. Delta briefly flew again from JFK to Tel Aviv in the summer of 2001 on an MD-11. It was suspended right after it launched due to a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv on 6/1/2001 that killed 21 people. The route returned, but it performed poorly due to the Second Intifada, and the route was canceled again after 9/11.
Delta tried Atlanta-Tel Aviv in 2006, before shifting that back to JFK in 2011. The airline gave up after several unsuccessful attempts to add a 2nd daily JFK-Tel Aviv flight. In 2022, it launched Boston-Tel Aviv service, and in 2023 it relaunched Atlanta-Tel Aviv service.
United added San Francisco-Tel Aviv service in 2016, Washington DC-Tel Aviv in 2019, and Chicago-Tel Aviv in 2020. United also made strides in improving kosher meals, serving freshly made Fresko kosher meals on Newark flights that are among the best kosher airline meals in the world.
USAirways’ then president (and current United CEO) Scott Kirby called its Philadelphia-Tel Aviv route among the most lucrative in their system. That route launched in 2009, but American killed it off when it merged with USAirways.
American has since tried its hand at Dallas, Miami, and JFK to Tel Aviv. It last flew JFK to Tel Aviv on October 6, 2023 and has suspended Israel service indefinitely.
During COVID, El Al suspended operations, and United remained the lifeline in and out of Tel Aviv.
But in the post-October 7th world, the US carriers have struggled to maintain service thanks to union pressure to avoid flying into a war zone and trouble insuring planes in Tel Aviv.
In 2024, Delta only flew from JFK to Tel Aviv from 6/7/24-7/30/24.
United flew from Newark to Tel Aviv from 3/2/24-4/13/24 and from 6/6/24-7/31/24.
United CEO Scott Kirby said that he had “no interest in returning to Tel Aviv only to pull out for a third time.”
But, United is very proud of its Tel Aviv flying, and didn’t want Delta to get a leg up on it. In 2024, United waited for Delta to announce a service resumption, and then announced it would resume flying to Israel a day before Delta. And this year, when Delta announced it would resume Tel Aviv service on 4/1/25, United announced it would return to Israel for a 3rd time on 3/15/25, ramping up to 2 daily flights on 3/29/25.
However, when a Houthi missile hit the grounds of Tel Aviv earlier this month, the airlines were forced to pull back for a third time.
Delta and United’s last flight to Tel Aviv was on 5/3/25.
So, when will they return to Israel?
I don’t believe that Scott Kirby’s United has any particular desire to rush back to serving Tel Aviv, short of competitive pressure from Delta.
Delta originally cancelled flights through 5/7, before extending that through 5/19.
United originally cancelled flights through 5/8, then 5/14, and then 5/18.
On 5/12, United stopped selling flights through 6/12. We reached out to United for comment, and a spokesperson responded to DansDeals that,
“We are canceling our twice-daily service between Newark and Tel Aviv through June 12. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews.”
However, while United has typically canceled flights within a few days after that, that didn’t happen this time.
Some readers got notified of cancellations, followed up by uncancellations:
In the GDS (Global Distribution System), United just extended the official cancellation through 5/26, with flights from 5/27 showing on schedule.
On the United JetStream site, United writes that,
“Due to unrest in the Middle East, our flights between EWR and TLV are cancelled through June 1, 2025. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on whether to resume service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews.
Our TLV flights June 2 – June 12 are still scheduled to operate; however, the flights are zeroed out and customers cannot be rebooked on nor purchase as a new booking for these dates. We stopped selling tickets to reduce the number of impacted customers in case we do need to cancel additional flights for safety reasons in the coming weeks.”
So, is the cancellation through 5/27, 6/1, or 6/12? Who knows at this point…
If you have a United flight through 6/1, United is allowing rebooking into Athens (ATH), Dubai (DXB), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Munich, (MUC), Paris, FR (CDG), or Zurich (ZRH) within 7 days of the original travel, but only on United flights and not onto partner flights.
That stands in contrast to airlines like Delta, BA, and Virgin, which have allowed rebookings onto El Al when available.
United’s refusal to rebook on other airlines may save them money, but is also costing them goodwill built up over the years. There are undoubtedly many loyalists that are booking away from United due to these policies and they may not return.
And what about Delta?
They wrote to DansDeals that they are still planning on returning to Israel on 5/20.
Is Delta playing chicken with United? That may explain why we now have 3 different dates from United for when flights are cancelled through.
But Delta has already assigned an A330-900neo to operate the 5/20 flight from JFK to Tel Aviv. That’s a pretty good sign, though it’s always subject to change.
Either way, United will certainly feel the pressure to resume Tel Aviv service if Delta resumes service on Tuesday.
As for Delta and United’s non-NYC routes, I wouldn’t expect them to return until things stabilize in the region.
Will these developments affect your short or long-term loyalty on the US-Tel Aviv route?
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66 Comments On "What Is Happening With Delta And United’s Flights To Israel; A Lookback At US Carrier Flights Between The US And Israel This Century"
All opinions expressed below are user generated and the opinions aren’t provided, reviewed or endorsed by any advertiser or DansDeals.
I wonder if EWR is playing a role here.
I don’t think that’s a factor for this.
I’m so confused. Dan you and others very confidently said that United wasn’t flying until June 13th. So I booked on El Al
I never cancel the United flight because they never canceled it. I did book with protect on EL al but I really hate collecting credits.
So currently have two flights it seems for my daughter and not really sure what the deal is
Nobody is sure what the deal is.
United wrote to me that all flights through 6/12 will be cancelled. But now we have 3 different sets of dates.
Great content!!!
I hace multiple reservations for after 6/1 and none got cancelled. I was wandering, and you have beautifully “aswered” that. I hope united goes bask ASAP.
Thanks Dan!
I fly literally 2-4 times a week on United from EWR. It’s clear to me that United is getting clobbered due to the problems there. The planes are 1/2 empty and people are scared to go to EWR . Perhaps they simply need the revenue and are desperate to not kill their quarter? Just a thought
2-4 times a week? What are you a pilot? A smuggler?
He could be a medic flying with patients
Not realistic. I’ve worked as a medical transporter, and it’s virtually impossible to fly even twice a week. On a regular basis. Both physically and technically.
There are plenty of road warriors who fly that often.
He didn’t say to TLV!
Who in the world will will count on these airlines after these prolonged cancellations + deliberately being uncertain?
Deltas own site says they are cancelled thru 5/25 not 5/20. https://www.delta.com/us/en/advisories/other-alerts/middle-east-unrest
That page says no such thing.
This page does though:
https://news.delta.com/delta-pause-flights-between-new-york-jfk-and-tel-aviv-through-may-19
@Dan in the comments section on the post with the latest updated flight to TLV you replied to a comment about United 1k desk being poorly informed
“Quote”
My contacts are higher up then their contacts.
It can take several days for it to be officially cancelled, but it’s a done deal. Take that to the bank.
If United resumes flying before 6/12… just curious—which bank can I take that to?
Just kidding—thank you for all the effort you put into keeping us updated on air travel, especially the TLV routes..
Kudos to you and your entire team!
Bank of United.
For real, if you relied on their provided information and it caused a loss, you can ask them for compensation.
Dan, is this a nice way of backtracking the June 13 date , that you gave for United flights?
Many tickets were booked on Elal, because you said with such certainty that United won’t fly till June 13.
(Sorry, I should ask more politely)
I’m not backtracking anything.
United wrote to me through official media channels, “We are canceling our twice-daily service between Newark and Tel Aviv through June 12.”
You want to see a screenshot of United saying that? I don’t mind providing it.
They have never misinformed me until now, but for what it’s worth, we now have 3 sets of dates for cancelled United flights.
Yes please send screenshots. I completely relied on that info as any normal person would. If they do indeed backtrack an already cancelled flight it would be completely unprecedented and they should have to compensate.
I advised someone to book on ELAL and just wait till they officially get canceled. They are currently out about $7k.
I really appreciate everything you do for the KLAL!
If United resumes flying early, I’ll ask United what they will do for people in that situation and/or post screenshots.
Thank you. And Thank you for all your content.
I do hope the flight is canceled. Because based on your information I bought 2 elal tickets – I’m out $3900.
Hashem Yazor.
Try this in the meantime?
https://www.dansdeals.com/more/news/airline-news/what-is-happening-with-delta-and-uniteds-flights-to-israel-a-lookback-at-us-carrier-flights-between-the-us-and-israel-this-century/comment-page-1/#comment-1776215
Honestly you have no idea how to organize or run a buisness when it comes to rely on other people or airlines or a free website that gives you solid information things just don’t go as planned sometimes so instead of coming to bite someone you rely on all the time the best thing is just not to say anything if something goes wrong the world whould be a much better place if everyone did the chesed that some few happen to do
I’m sorry you mis-took my words as criticism. That was not my intention in the slightest. On the contrary since this website gives such great information people tend to, and should continue to rely on it. I was simply trying to help others just like Dan was and continues to do!
Any implication of frustration from my words was completely directed at United.
Thank you for your comment and giving me the opportunity to clear this up.
I am a lifetime gold member in United and probably return to United once they stabilize their schedule. The El Al matmid is not that effective and it is difficult to get to gold even with a Fly card
I thought aegean was supposed to start flying today. Were its flights canceled. It looks like only one is scheduled tomorrow. any news?
When you actually want to know you’ll get to these days it’s Elal or Elal.
Every body should stop the hate at dan ge did nothing wrong by repeating what united told him. You lose some you win some it’s not his fault that you decided to book a elal ticket or what not.
Thank you for the update.
My parents have not been well this year and wanted my family to visit this summer from Israel. Around July 17th- Aug. 24th. 8+ infant. The prices have only been going up with less availability. Do you have any suggested option for a family looking to book something more affordable?
Look into Arkia?
FYI..Had a June 4Th united flight, booked elal replacement based on Dan’s recommendation ….got nervous that I’d end up with two tickets…called united yesterday. Initially they said regular cancelation fee , I asked for a supervisor told them the flights are not available for sale etc etc… they came back and gave me a full refund…
Nicely done!
I’m booked Ewr-Tlv on June 11th, and have reached out to UA 3x to find out if they will re book/refund me (1K if it makes any difference)- but they keep on saying they’re flying then. In the meantime Plan B is a 1WAY booking Ath-Tlv for the 12th, and I’m taking deep breaths and using the Dan Method of wait and see and let them cancel.
Do you think Arkia will be just as reliable as El Al in terms of keeping flights going between TLV and US
No, but more reliable than foreign carriers.
Dan – thank you for keeping us all updated when nobody else has any reliable information – is it your understanding from Delta that they are still planning to resume flights tomorrow ?(flight status on Delta website appears to show that)
Pleasure!
It’s looking good for Delta right now, but TBD!
I didn’t gain very much clarity in this post, but thank you for starting a new thread rather then pining on to the [What Is Happening With Delta And United’s Flights To Israel]next bookable flight …
There’s often little clarity during the fog of war…
I started in that post, but got too deep in the weeds and made a dedicated post. 😀
bottom line is if you want to be sure your flight isnt cancelled, take ELAL
What’s amazing is that under previous ownership pre-COVID, you could never rely on El Al to get you or your belongings where you wanted to go (Every Landing Always Late, Everyone’s Luggage Always Lost, etc).
People may kvetch about the flag carrier for various reasons, but that’s quite the turnaround.
So what is the best course of action for those of us flying Delta in early July? Wait it out? Or try and switch to El Al with some hefty change fees before Delta cancels?
https://www.ask8ball.net/
Love it.
I just meant for someone not familiar with the relationship between Delta and El Al, which I have been told if Delta cancels that they will help book you on El Al without a fee at that point.
1. Is that true? (Simply from past situations)
2. Is that something I should rely on as a real possibility if cancelled or better chance to attempt a change and chalk up the fees now.
They may or may not. It depends on available space at the time they cancel, the rep, and how persistent you are.
any updates on delta flights?
Delta officially issued a change and difference waiver Until 6/15 but they said they can’t technically change reward bookings so they just canceled my reward booking without my permission and didn’t give me any other options instead.
Dan – if I have a choice to book to Israel with United or BA for Aug which one do you think would be a better bet, that they would actually fly there.
Thanks.
BA has definitely got a higher chance than United of flying, as European airlines have always been returning quicker.
Also if BA cancel there will be a proper re-booking option with ELAL from London, or from London with stopover in Europe.
I will say that I was scheduled to fly on United three times to Israel within a 1-month period right after October 7th, I pivoted and bought pretty cheap tickets on El Al .I had four more flights to Israel planned over the year and obviously took every one of them on El Al. In March 2025, my husband and I decided to go to Israel and United was flying at that point. He needs trips on United as he is global Service but by that point I was silver almost gold on El Al. So we each flew our own airline. I’m not sure how often I will fly to Israel in the next year but if price is similar, I will take El Al every time. The service is great, the food is wonderful, especially if you don’t want a meat meal, and it always gets me to Israel. This would have never happened had United not dropped out of the market for me.
Aegean canceled flights to TLV today and tomorrow. Even worse, today’s 5pm flight was canceled less than 7 hours before its scheduled time. I hope no one flew United to Athens yesterday and are now stuck there for at least two days.
I’m flying agean coming home from TLV – Athens on 5/29. What should I do for backup?
Personally, I will only book with carrier that will re protect me on another carrier. When I book elal, I will try booking it on Delta stock. Offering a refund 3 days before a flight instead of rebooking is not fair
In the meantime, ELAL is getting booked up to from nearly every European destination into Israel. Unless Lufthansa comes back, not sure how I’m going to get back into the Israel after some late summer trips that coincide with the beginning of Elul Zman.
By the way @Dan, it would be great if you could give the same analysis for the Canadian routes where ElAl has pulled out entirely and Air Canada isn’t flying until September.
That is a huge mess- is there just not enough money to be made?
Canadians heavily chose to fly on Air Canada over El Al. It’s not worth going back, just to have AC eat their lunch again.
AC is clearly one of the worst post-oct 7th offenders.
Do you think Canadians will still choose them over ElAl especially as in general they are increasingly seen as a poor airline?
https://apnews.com/article/air-canada-flight-ontime-performance-82fb8568340784d2bc602e2e3e0cad23
Dan! remember What you wrote the last December about UA?
https://www.dansdeals.com/more/news/airline-news/united-pilot-maintains-social-media-page-justifying-hamas-massacre-kidnapping-babies-lies-war/
Air Canada cancelled and put my daughter, who was supposed to fly June 10 direct to Toronto, on Lufthansa who claim to be flying on May 25 from TLV via Frankfurt.. Any updates on whether they are actually planning on resuming? Any suggestions on the best way to get my daughter back on or around June 10 affordably on AC’s dime. I don’t want an air Canada refund. It would cost around 4x the amount I paid to buy an El-Al one way if it is available.
@Dan thank you for the amazing updates! Thanks to your info I cancelled United and rebooked Delta/ELAL. I will certainly think at least twice before booking United in the future, and we average 6 tickets per trip, around twice a year. I don’t love ELAL, they are still a bit hard nosed when it comes to family seating (more than once they didn’t put us together…) and other little annoying things. Delta I find to be consistantly the most pleasant, but everyone’s got their bad apples… Bottom line, it’ll be Delta first, then ELAL.
Interesting to see how this will affect European airlines’ decisions to return.
I had a united flight leaving EWR May 29 to TLV, They sent me a email that i can request a refund so i went and requested a refund, Now that maybe they will resume flying on may 27 you think i could get back my original ticket or its a lost case?
Once it’s refunded, it’s gone.
If I book with Delta and they cancel the flight, will they automatically rebook me on Elal, for the same day? Will I be required to pay the fare difference?
United just cancelled flight for May 27… I guess they’re not starting before June 1st as posted on the United Jetstream website, and we won’t see an expedited return…
@dan how much would United refund for the return trip if they canceled ?
Has anyone here flown HiSky from JFK to TLV through Bucharest? What was your experience?