United Airlines to Resume New York–Tel Aviv Flights June 5 After Houthi Missile Halt

United Airlines announced on Saturday that it will resume direct flights between New York and Tel Aviv on June 5, marking a significant step in restoring international air travel to Israel after weeks of disruptions caused by escalating regional tensions. This move makes United the second U.S. carrier to return to Ben Gurion Airport following a ballistic missile strike by Yemen’s Houthi rebels earlier this month that forced a widespread suspension of international flights.

The airline stated that its decision was made after a “detailed assessment of operational considerations for the region” and in coordination with the unions representing its flight attendants and pilots. The thorough safety evaluation and union collaboration suggest United is confident that conditions have improved enough to resume regular service safely.

United, like many foreign airlines, suspended its Newark–Tel Aviv route on May 4 after a Houthi-launched missile struck near Israel’s main international airport. The missile landed in a wooded area near Terminal 3, just a few hundred meters from the air traffic control tower a stark reminder of the security threats facing travellers and aviation operators in the region. While no injuries were reported, the attack caused alarm and led to mass flight cancellations and delays.

In the aftermath of the missile strike, numerous airlines extended their flight suspensions. Many Israelis were left stranded abroad or forced to cancel summer vacation plans due to the lack of available flights. Among the few foreign airlines that have already resumed service to Tel Aviv are Delta, Air France, Wizz Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Aegean Airlines.

Dutch carrier KLM also resumed flights from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv over the weekend after allowing its May 30 suspension deadline to lapse. However, not all carriers are ready to return. Ryanair, for example, extended its flight suspension until July 31. CEO Michael O’Leary expressed frustration with what he called “repeated security disruptions” at Ben Gurion Airport and warned the airline could shift aircraft to other destinations if the situation does not stabilize. British Airways has also decided to stay away for much of the peak summer season, joining Ryanair in delaying any return to Israeli airspace.

The Lufthansa Group; including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings has also extended its flight cancellations until at least June 15. Other carriers such as AirBaltic, easyJet, Iberia, and Transavia have maintained their suspensions as well.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, triggered by the Hamas-led terror attack on southern Israel, the security situation in the region has remained volatile. Israel has faced rocket and drone attacks not only from Gaza but also from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and even two major missile barrages launched directly from Iran. These threats have made consistent international air service challenging and left Israel’s national airline, El Al, operating under near-monopoly conditions on many routes, with ticket prices reaching record highs.

United’s decision to resume flights could signal a cautious return to normalcy and may prompt other carriers to reconsider their suspensions in the coming weeks. However, with ongoing regional instability, the situation remains fluid, and airline operations are still subject to rapid change.