US carriers Delta and United have decided to suspend flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. This decision comes after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran's capital, Tehran, which has heightened security concerns in the region. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines announced the temporary suspension of their daily flights to Tel Aviv, starting with Delta's flights from New York-JFK and United's flights from Newark Liberty International Airport. The suspension is intended to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members, as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile.
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"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," United Airlines said in a statement. Delta Airlines also emphasized the importance of security, stating that it will pause flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv through August 2. The decision to suspend flights comes after a series of high-profile assassinations in the region, particularly involving Israel and Palestinian militant groups. Iran blamed Israel for the strike on Haniyeh, with its foreign ministry saying the US also bears responsibility as Israel's biggest ally.
The move by Delta and United follows a similar pattern seen in October 2023, when the "big 3" domestic carriers - United, American, and Delta - suspended their service to Israel after the Hamas attacks on October 7. Tel Aviv and other airports in Israel are still serviced by the country's flag carrier, El Al, which continues to fly to and from the US.
The State Department maintains a travel advisory for the region, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank, and warning not to travel to Gaza. As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the suspension of flights by Delta and United underscores the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of passengers and crew members. The situation remains fluid, and both airlines will continue to monitor developments in the region to determine when it is safe to resume flights to Tel Aviv.