Delta Air Lines has announced suspension of flights to Israel for another month, until October 31.
This is as Israel and the militant group Hamas show no indications of ending the conflict in Gaza.
Delta’s announcement comes after American Airlines extended its suspension of flights between the United States and Tel Aviv until March 29 of next year.
Customers who have tickets for flights that are now canceled, according to both airlines, can either cancel their trip and receive a refund or rebook, usually at no additional cost.
Customers of Delta will be able to use its website to make new reservations on partner airlines Air France and El Al.
American airlines announced that it will collaborate with its partners to assist passengers traveling between Israel and European destinations that provide flights to the US.
Delta, American and United Airlines all stopped flying to Israel shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that started the war.
United recently said it has suspended its service indefinitely.
Germany’s Lufthansa announced Monday that based on a “current security analysis, it would halt all Middle East flights to Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut, Teheran and Erbil in Iraq — through Monday.
About 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, died in the initial Hamas attack, which was followed by Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
About 40,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry there. U.S. attempts to broker a cease-fire agreement have been unsuccessful.
Delta Air Lines has extended its suspension of flights to Israel until October 31, 2024, as the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas in Gaza continues with no signs of resolution. This announcement follows a similar move by American Airlines, which has suspended flights between the United States and Tel Aviv until March 29, 2025. Both airlines originally halted services shortly after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2024, which marked the beginning of the current escalation in violence.
The decision by Delta to extend the suspension of its flights underscores the ongoing risks posed by the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives on both sides. As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, airlines are prioritizing passenger safety by halting operations in the region. Delta’s customers, who had booked flights that are now canceled, have been offered the option to either cancel their trips for a full refund or rebook on alternative flights, typically at no additional cost. For those seeking to continue their travel plans, Delta has arranged for customers to make new reservations on partner airlines such as Air France and Israel’s national carrier, El Al, through Delta’s website.
American Airlines, which has taken a more long-term approach by extending its suspension until March 2025, has also announced plans to collaborate with its partners to assist passengers who need to travel between Israel and Europe. These partners will provide connecting flights to the United States for travelers impacted by the suspension.
This disruption in air travel services is part of a broader trend among international airlines responding to the escalating conflict. United Airlines, which also ceased its operations to Israel following the October 7 attacks, has declared an indefinite suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv. Furthermore, Germany’s Lufthansa recently announced a halt on all flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut, Tehran, and Erbil in Iraq, following a current security assessment. This suspension is expected to last through Monday, with a possibility of further extensions depending on the situation’s evolution.
The conflict, which began with a massive Hamas assault on Israeli civilians on October 7, has since seen widespread violence, including a heavy bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces. The death toll from the conflict is devastating, with around 1,200 Israelis, primarily civilians, killed in the initial attack. In Gaza, the situation is even more dire, with the Hamas-controlled health ministry reporting approximately 40,000 fatalities, although this figure is difficult to independently verify.
The international community has made numerous attempts to broker a ceasefire, but so far, these efforts have been unsuccessful. As the fighting drags on, the impact on air travel and broader regional stability continues to be significant, affecting not only the airlines but also passengers, businesses, and families who rely on these flights.
The decisions by Delta, American, United, and Lufthansa reflect a cautious approach to the ongoing conflict, balancing the need to maintain connectivity with the overriding concern for safety. As the situation in Gaza remains unpredictable, further adjustments to flight schedules and services to the region may be necessary, depending on developments in the conflict and security conditions on the ground.
In the meantime, travelers affected by these suspensions are advised to stay informed of updates from their airlines and explore alternative routes or travel arrangements. The current state of affairs serves as a reminder of the profound impact that geopolitical conflicts can have on global travel and the importance of remaining flexible and prepared in such uncertain times.