Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Travelers asking which airlines are flying to Israel need a date-stamped answer, not a permanent list. Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), near Tel Aviv, remains Israel’s main international gateway, but airlines can pause, restart, or reduce service with little notice when regional security or airspace conditions change.
Israel offers historic sites, Mediterranean cities, markets, museums, religious landmarks, desert scenery, and the Dead Sea. However, flight availability, entry rules, airport terminals, and government travel advice should be checked before you pay for a ticket. The airline information below was last verified on July 26, 2026.
Quick Answer
Airlines serving Israel change frequently because carriers pause and restart Tel Aviv routes. On July 26, 2026, EL AL was selling nonstop U.S.–Tel Aviv flights, while several foreign airlines had partial resumptions, future restart dates, or active waivers. Check the live airport board and your airline before booking and departure.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the main international airport for Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and most overseas visitors.
- An airport airline directory does not prove that a carrier is operating your route today; use the live flight board and the airline’s own status page.
- EL AL was selling nonstop service from several U.S. cities when this guide was checked on July 26, 2026.
- Delta, American, Air Canada, Lufthansa Group airlines, Ryanair, and other foreign carriers had route pauses, restart plans, or special travel notices that varied by date.
- Visa-exempt visitors generally need an approved ETA-IL before travel, while other travelers may need a visa.
- Ben Gurion Airport advises departing international passengers to arrive about three hours before takeoff and confirm their terminal in advance.
- Review your government’s current travel advice and choose flexible booking terms because cancellations and airspace disruptions can occur with little warning.
Warning: Government travel advice for Israel and the wider region can change quickly. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to reconsider travel to Israel and identifies areas with stronger warnings, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against travel to specified areas. Check the advice issued for your nationality and confirm that your insurance remains valid.
Which Airlines Are Flying to Israel Now?
The most reliable answer comes from the Israel Airports Authority live flight board. Its separate airline-company directory lists carriers associated with Ben Gurion Airport, but a directory entry does not guarantee that the airline is operating on a specific day.
The table below summarizes important airline notices that were available when this article was updated. It is not an exhaustive timetable, and every flight should still be verified by date and flight number.
| Airline or group | Status evidence checked for July 26, 2026 | What travelers should do |
|---|---|---|
| EL AL | EL AL’s official booking pages were displaying current nonstop U.S.–Tel Aviv options, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with Boston also listed in its network. | Check the exact date, airport, and operating flight on EL AL’s booking site. |
| Arkia and Israir | Both Israeli carriers appear in Israel Airports Authority airline information. Their international schedules vary by season and route. | Search the live flight board and the airline’s own booking system for your travel date. |
| Delta Air Lines | Delta’s May 20 update said New York-JFK service was planned to resume September 6, Atlanta service was paused through December 18, and the Boston launch was delayed until further notice. | Do not describe Delta as a current daily operator without checking its latest Tel Aviv update and your specific booking. |
| American Airlines | American maintained a broad Israel travel exception covering affected travel into January 2027. A bookable itinerary may use a partner or a connection rather than an American-operated nonstop flight. | Read the current American travel alert and confirm the operating carrier. |
| United Airlines | United’s Tel Aviv schedule has changed repeatedly during regional disruptions. Generic fare pages may also show partner connections. | Verify the flight number, nonstop label, operating carrier, and same-day status before relying on a United itinerary. |
| Air Canada | Air Canada’s June 9 notice said Tel Aviv flights remained canceled through October 24, 2026, inclusive. | Check the airline’s Middle East travel update before considering Toronto or Montréal service. |
| Lufthansa Group | A Lufthansa Group notice described a phased return by Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS, while Brussels Airlines remained suspended until further notice. Dates can change after a new security assessment. | Check the group’s current travel information and the operating airline. |
| Ryanair | Ryanair said it would not restart Tel Aviv service unless airport slot and Terminal 1 issues were resolved. Terminal 1 later reopened for international departures, but that alone does not prove Ryanair resumed. | Treat Ryanair service as unconfirmed unless a flight appears in the airline’s schedule and on the airport board. See the carrier’s official notice. |
EL AL Israel Airlines: The National Carrier
EL AL is Israel’s national airline and is often the first carrier travelers check during periods when foreign airlines reduce service. Its network includes routes across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, but frequencies can change by season and security conditions.
When comparing EL AL flights, check whether the itinerary is nonstop, which New York airport it uses, the baggage allowance, and the change or refund terms. A fare shown on a route page is not a guarantee that every date operates.
International Airlines Serving Tel Aviv
The Israel Airports Authority directory includes many international carriers, such as Aegean Airlines, Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, flydubai, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Wizz Air, and others. Some may be operating, temporarily paused, seasonal, or represented through a future schedule.
For that reason, avoid writing that every listed carrier is “currently flying.” The date-specific airport board and the airline’s operational notice are stronger evidence than a destination page or an airport directory alone.
Competitive Pricing and Flight Options
Prices can differ sharply between nonstop and one-stop itineraries. The cheapest headline fare may exclude checked baggage, seat selection, meals, or flexible changes. During a disruption-prone period, a slightly higher fare booked directly with the operating airline may be more useful than a restrictive ticket sold through an online travel agency.
How to Verify Today’s Operating Flights to Israel
- Search the airport board: Enter your date, city, or airline on the Israel Airports Authority flight board.
- Confirm the operating carrier: A ticket sold by one airline may be flown by a partner. Look for the words “operated by.”
- Check the airline alert: Read the carrier’s travel notice, not only its destination or fare page.
- Verify the flight number: Search the exact flight in the airline app or flight-status tool 24 to 48 hours before departure and again before leaving for the airport.
- Confirm the terminal: Ben Gurion flights may depart from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, and an airline can use both terminals.
- Save contact details: Add a working mobile number and email to the reservation so the airline can send schedule changes.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of the operating carrier, flight number, cancellation terms, and baggage allowance before paying. If the schedule changes later, you will have a clear record of what you originally booked.
Direct Flights to Tel Aviv From North America
North American nonstop service is especially sensitive to airline pauses and restart dates. On July 26, 2026, EL AL’s official pages were displaying nonstop options from New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with Boston also included in its U.S. network. Travelers should confirm whether a New York flight uses JFK or Newark because both airports may appear in search results.
| North American gateway | Current planning note |
|---|---|
| New York City | EL AL was selling nonstop service from JFK and Newark. Delta said JFK service was planned to resume September 6, 2026. United status should be checked live. |
| Los Angeles | EL AL was displaying LAX–TLV service. Do not assume another U.S. carrier is operating nonstop merely because a connecting itinerary is available. |
| Miami and South Florida | EL AL was displaying Miami service. Check whether searches labeled “South Florida” use Miami or another airport. |
| Boston | EL AL listed Boston in its U.S. network. Delta’s Boston launch remained delayed until further notice in its May 20 update. |
| Toronto and Montréal | Air Canada said Tel Aviv flights were canceled through October 24, 2026. Future fares may still appear for later dates, so match the travel date to the suspension notice. |
Typical nonstop travel time is roughly 10 to 12 hours from the New York area and about 14 to 15 hours from Los Angeles, although winds, routing, airspace restrictions, and operational changes can alter the duration. A one-stop itinerary can take much longer, especially when the connection requires an airport change or an overnight layover.
Note: A search result carrying an American, United, Delta, or Air Canada flight number may still include a partner-operated segment or a connection. Confirm that the itinerary says “nonstop” and identify the airline operating the aircraft.
Connecting Flights to Israel From Europe and Asia
Travelers from cities without a nonstop flight can often connect through Europe, the eastern Mediterranean, or the Gulf when those routes are operating. The best hub is not always the one with the shortest scheduled layover. During regional disruption, a protected connection on one ticket is usually safer than two unrelated tickets.
| Hub or region | Airlines travelers may check | Important caution |
|---|---|---|
| London | EL AL and any UK or European carrier showing date-specific service | British Airways or low-cost availability should be confirmed for the exact date rather than assumed from an airport directory. |
| Frankfurt, Vienna, or Zurich | Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and SWISS | Lufthansa Group has used phased resumptions and fresh safety reviews, so check the current operating notice. |
| Athens or Larnaca | Aegean Airlines, Cyprus-based carriers, EL AL, Arkia, and Israir when scheduled | Short regional routes can sell out quickly after cancellations elsewhere. |
| Dubai or Abu Dhabi | Emirates, flydubai, or Etihad when operating | Regional airspace disruptions can affect both the Tel Aviv segment and the connecting flight. |
| Istanbul | Turkish Airlines or Pegasus only when a live schedule is available | A directory listing is not evidence that the route is currently operating. |
| Asia | EL AL nonstop routes where offered, or one-stop itineraries through Europe, Ethiopia, India, or Gulf hubs | Check transit-entry rules, minimum connection time, and whether both flights are protected on one ticket. |
Do not rely on unsupported claims that a fixed number of connecting flights operates from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, or Beijing. Flight counts change by day, season, airline suspension, and schedule filing. Also, Qatar Airways should not be presented as a standard Doha–Tel Aviv option without a confirmed bookable route.
Budget Airlines and Alternative Options for Traveling to Israel
Low-cost service to Tel Aviv can be useful, but it is less stable than a permanent list suggests. Ryanair publicly said it would not restart service until airport slot and Terminal 1 issues were resolved. EasyJet and Wizz Air may appear in airport or airline information, yet travelers should confirm a real, date-specific flight before describing either carrier as operating.
Compare the total trip cost rather than the base fare. Add checked baggage, cabin-bag limits, seat selection, airport transfers, food, change fees, and the price of a missed separate-ticket connection. A full-service fare can be cheaper overall when those extras are included.
Charter flights and packages that combine airfare with accommodations may also appear during peak travel periods. Before paying, identify the operating airline, confirm whether the package is protected under the seller’s terms, and read the cancellation and refund rules.
Warning: Separate tickets create extra risk. If the first airline cancels or delays your flight, the second airline may treat you as a no-show and may not rebook you. Use a long buffer, consider an overnight stop, or book a protected through-ticket.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Flights to Israel
- Search flexible dates: Compare several days before and after your preferred departure.
- Compare nonstop and one-stop fares: A lower fare may add many hours or require a risky connection.
- Book with the operating airline when practical: Direct bookings can simplify rebooking during major disruption.
- Choose flexible terms: Read whether the ticket allows a refund, travel credit, or free date change after an airline cancellation.
- Set price alerts: Google Flights, Skyscanner, and airline fare alerts can help you track changes, but verify the final itinerary on the airline’s website.
- Check baggage before comparing prices: Low-cost and basic-economy tickets may not include the bag you need.
- Avoid very short connections: Security checks, terminal changes, or late inbound flights can make a tight layover impractical.
- Review insurance exclusions: Some policies exclude known events, armed conflict, travel against government advice, or airline insolvency.
Pro Tip: After finding a fare on a comparison site, repeat the same search on the operating airline’s website. Compare the final price, baggage, seat rules, refund terms, and who will handle a cancellation.
Entry Requirements and Travel Safety Before Booking
Since January 1, 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries generally need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization, known as ETA-IL, before arriving in Israel. The official government information says visa-exempt travelers using ETA-IL should have a passport valid for at least three months beyond arrival, while travelers who need a visa should have at least six months of passport validity beyond arrival.
Apply only through an official Israeli government website ending in gov.il. Travelers who are not visa-exempt should check the visa rules for their passport and contact an Israeli embassy or consulate when needed.
Entry permission and flight availability are separate issues. An approved ETA-IL does not guarantee that an airline will operate, and a valid ticket does not replace the required entry documents.
Note: Travel advisories may affect insurance coverage and employer or tour-company policies. Check the advisory for your citizenship, the areas you plan to visit, and any transit country before final payment.
What to Expect When Flying to Israel
Ben Gurion Airport is a modern international airport with shops, restaurants, lounges, baggage services, public transportation, taxis, and car rentals. Airport activity can be busy even while individual airlines are changing schedules.
The Israel Airports Authority says departing passengers must complete security screening and should arrive about three hours before departure. Travelers may be asked questions about their trip and must present a valid passport and flight ticket or boarding pass. Answer clearly and allow extra time rather than treating the process like a standard short-haul departure.
Terminal 1 reopened for international departures on July 1, 2026. International arrivals continue to use Terminal 3, and some airlines may split departures between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Check the terminal on the airport board before traveling to the airport because a past terminal assignment may no longer be correct.
After arrival, travelers proceed through passport control, baggage claim, and customs. Keep your accommodation details, return or onward travel information, and required entry approval accessible. Transportation plans should remain flexible if the arrival time changes.
What to Do if Your Israel Flight Is Delayed or Canceled
- Check the operating airline first: Use its app, website, text alerts, and airport flight board.
- Do not travel to the airport based only on the original schedule: Confirm that the flight is still operating and which terminal it uses.
- Review your options: Depending on the airline and ticket, you may be offered rebooking, a travel credit, or a refund.
- Contact the ticket seller: If an online travel agency issued the ticket, it may control changes even when the airline operates the flight.
- Keep receipts: Save reasonable hotel, meal, and transportation receipts in case your airline or insurer requests them.
- Protect the return trip: A canceled outbound flight may not automatically cancel or preserve the inbound segment. Ask before making a new booking.
- Recheck entry and transit rules: A reroute through another country may add visa or airport-transit requirements.
Passenger rights depend on the airline, route, place of departure, reason for disruption, and applicable law. Read the carrier’s written notice before accepting a credit that may replace a cash-refund option.
Making the Most of Your Trip to the Holy Land
Once flights, entry documents, insurance, and safety plans are confirmed, Israel offers a wide range of experiences. Travelers may explore Jerusalem’s historic and religious sites, Tel Aviv’s food and arts scene, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Mediterranean beaches, museums, markets, and nature areas.
Build flexibility into the itinerary. Attraction access, local transportation, security instructions, and regional conditions can change. Follow local authorities, avoid restricted areas, and keep enough time between cities and the return flight.
Travelers carrying golf clubs or other specialized equipment should check the operating airline’s sports-baggage rules before purchasing a ticket. The site’s hard-case golf travel bag guide may also help protect clubs during an international journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines are currently flying to Israel?
The answer changes by date. On July 26, 2026, EL AL was selling current service to Tel Aviv, while Israeli carriers such as Arkia and Israir appeared in airport information. Several foreign airlines had partial resumptions, future restart dates, suspensions, or special travel notices. Use the Israel Airports Authority live board for the exact day.
Are there direct flights to Israel from the United States?
Yes. EL AL was displaying nonstop flights from New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with Boston also in its U.S. network when this guide was checked. Delta said JFK service was planned to resume September 6, 2026, while other U.S. airline schedules required live verification.
Which European airlines fly to Israel?
Airlines associated with Tel Aviv service include Aegean, Air France, Austrian, British Airways, Lufthansa, LOT, SWISS, Wizz Air, and others. However, some may be seasonal, paused, or returning in phases. Confirm the exact flight on the airport board and the airline’s status page.
Are Middle Eastern airlines flying to Israel?
Emirates, flydubai, Etihad, Royal Jordanian, and other regional carriers appear in Ben Gurion Airport airline information, but operations can change with regional security and airspace restrictions. Qatar Airways should not be assumed to offer a Doha–Tel Aviv route without a confirmed bookable itinerary.
Are budget airlines flying to Israel?
Budget service is not consistent. Ryanair had said it would not restart until airport slot and Terminal 1 issues were resolved. EasyJet and Wizz Air may appear in airport information, but travelers should verify a real flight for their date before relying on either airline.
Do I need an ETA-IL to fly to Israel?
Visa-exempt visitors generally need an approved ETA-IL before travel. Travelers who are not visa-exempt may need a visa instead. Check the official Israeli government eligibility information for your passport before booking.
How early should I arrive at Ben Gurion Airport?
The Israel Airports Authority advises departing passengers to arrive about three hours before takeoff for the security process. Confirm whether your flight leaves from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 before heading to the airport.
What should I check before leaving for the airport?
Check the exact flight number, operating airline, departure time, terminal, baggage rules, passport, ETA-IL or visa, and current travel advice. Recheck the airline app and Ben Gurion flight board immediately before departure.
Sources
- Israel Airports Authority Flight Board — date-specific arrivals, departures, terminals, and status checks.
- Israel Airports Authority Airline Companies — airlines associated with Ben Gurion Airport.
- Ben Gurion Airport Notifications and Updates — Terminal 1 reopening and current airport notices.
- Ben Gurion Airport Security Instructions — security process and recommended arrival time.
- Israel Ministry of Tourism Entry Requirements — ETA-IL and passport-validity guidance.
- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory — current risk levels and area-specific warnings.