Airlines halt flights to Israel after Hamas attack

In March 2025, many airlines continue to suspend flights to Israel, which began around October 7, 2023, following a terror attack by Hamas. Major players in the aviation industry, including American Airlines, Emirates, Korean Air, Norwegian Air, Pegasus Airlines, and Transavia have halted their services due to ongoing concerns about safety in Israel. Each airline has provided varying degrees of communication about the resumption of their flights; some have not shared future plans, while others have outright canceled scheduled services. Relatedly, certain countries that have historically opposed the Jewish state have voiced support for pro-Palestinian movements, influencing travelers' sentiments and several airlines' policies. For instance, Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated complex diplomatic relationships with Israel amid these tensions. While American Airlines continues to evaluate its network without current plans for resuming service to Tel Aviv, it offers travel options through its partners. Similarly, Korean Air's flights have been suspended indefinitely since December 2024, causing concern among potential travelers. The situation is compounded by a lack of comments or future announcements from airlines like KM Malta, which has been silent regarding possible resumptions after suspending flights in October 2023. Norwegian Air has faced criticism related to the Norwegian government’s stance towards Israel, citing extreme anti-Israel sentiments after the onset of violence between Hamas and Israel. Emirates, although connected through the Abraham Accords with diplomatic ties, remains mute on future flight plans to Tel Aviv, maintaining a suspension since November 2023. Transavia has stated that it will not be flying into Israel at least until March 31, 2025, and has emphasized passenger safety as its top priority. The prolonged suspension of services reflects both the volatile political atmosphere in the region and airlines' cautious approach in light of persistent anti-Israel sentiments and protests across various nations. Ultimately, this brewing situation emphasizes the precarious balance that airlines must navigate between operational logistics, international relations, and passenger safety amid a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Should this trend continue without resolution, the consequences could extend further into international travel policies and relations across numerous airline networks worldwide.