Delta Air Lines resumes flights to Israel after conflict turmoil

In the aftermath of the conflict that began on October 7, 2023, Delta Air Lines has announced the resumption of flights to Israel, a significant step in the revival of international air travel to the region. Delta’s resumption of service follows a period of reduced activity from many airlines as hostilities led to a decline in traveler confidence. The flights will operate daily from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. In recent weeks, several carriers have been reinstating their services, signaling a gradual recovery for the aviation sector in Israel. The renewed service comes on the heels of United Airlines' decision to restart its flights to Israel, which highlights the broader trend of recovery within the Israeli aviation market. Many foreign operators are eager to tap into what is a lucrative travel route connecting the United States with Israel. The increasing number of flights serves to bring down fare prices, which had skyrocketed during the conflict period when the available seats were limited, and demand remained robust. Despite the resumption of operations by Delta and United, American Airlines has opted to avoid the Israeli market altogether since the onset of the violence in October 2023. This withdrawal places American Airlines in contrast with its competitors, signaling differing levels of confidence in the safety and profitability of operating flights to Israel during and after the conflict. The current landscape suggests a competitive environment among airlines, as other international carriers are also set to restore services, such as Air Baltic, Transavia, Swiss Airlines, and KLM, further diversifying options for travelers heading to Tel Aviv. Overall, the return of Delta Air Lines to the skies above Israel marks a pivotal moment for the aviation industry, illustrating a rebound for international travel and restoring Tel Aviv's position as a critical destination. As upcoming winter holiday seasons approach, travelers may benefit from more options and competitive pricing, which had been a concern in the months after the conflict. A full recovery is still underway, but airlines appear to be rebuilding routes in alignment with growing demand for travel to the region.