United Airlines Resumes Tel Aviv Flights as First U.S. Carrier Post-Ceasefire

In a significant move for international travel, United Airlines has declared its return to the skies over Israel, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to resume flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport following a recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Starting July 21, flights from New York/Newark will reconnect passengers twice daily, marking a bold step after a pause triggered by the conflict dubbed Operation Rising Lion last month.

The Chicago-based airline’s decision comes after Israel reopened its airspace post a 12-day conflict, a period that saw intense regional tension. United’s commitment to Tel Aviv remains unwavering, with a spokesperson emphasizing their long-standing dedication to the route—a claim backed by their status as the most frequent U.S. flyer to the city in 2025.

Operating their Boeing 787-10s, United is not just resuming service but ensuring safety through rigorous operational assessments and close coordination with pilot and flight attendant unions. Meanwhile, partnerships with Lufthansa Group airlines will further bolster connectivity to Tel Aviv for global travelers.

However, the backdrop to this resumption isn’t without caution. The U.S. State Department still advises travelers to reconsider travel to Israel due to risks of terrorism and civil unrest, with a stark do not travel warning for Northern Israel. The unpredictable security landscape, including potential rocket fire or missile threats, keeps vigilance at the forefront for anyone planning a trip.

On the political front, the timing aligns with a notable White House meeting where President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their discussion, punctuated by mutual optimism for future successes, even saw a surprise Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Trump from Netanyahu—a gesture as unexpected as peace itself in these turbulent times.

As United Airlines paves the way, other carriers like American Airlines, absent from Tel Aviv since October 2023, remain on the sidelines with no updates on resuming service. For now, United’s wings are carrying not just passengers, but a renewed hope for stability in a region long fraught with uncertainty.