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The cancellations fall during the busy period leading up to Passover and are expected to affect approximately 25,000 passengers.
By United with Israel Staff
Air travel to and from Israel remains severely disrupted as the ongoing war continues to impact operations at Ben Gurion Airport, forcing both Israeli and international airlines to extend widespread flight cancellations.
Israel’s national carrier, El Al, announced Wednesday that it will cancel all flights scheduled between March 21 and March 27, citing restrictions on airport activity and directives from the Home Front Command amid continued missile threats. The cancellations fall during the busy period leading up to Passover and are expected to affect approximately 25,000 passengers.
The suspended routes span key destinations across Europe and North America, including major cities such as London, Berlin, Barcelona, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Boston, as well as a number of smaller regional hubs.
El Al said additional updates regarding other destinations will be provided based on developments and official guidance. The airline added that, due to current limitations, it is unable to offer alternative flights to affected passengers at this stage but is providing full refunds or travel vouchers for future use.
Israir also reported significant changes to its operations following updated guidance from the Transportation Ministry. The airline said it will cancel all flights through March 31, 2026, and has suspended ticket sales for its original prewar schedule through April 30.
Foreign airlines have similarly pushed back their return to Israel as the security situation remains unstable and missile barrages continue to affect civilian infrastructure.
United Airlines announced it will not resume flights until June 14, delaying its return by several months. Delta Air Lines has extended its suspension through May 31. The Lufthansa Group has canceled flights through April 9, while Wizz Air has halted operations through April 7. Flydubai has suspended flights until April 30, and Iberia has delayed its return until May 2.
The wave of cancellations highlights the broader impact of the war on Israel’s aviation sector, as ongoing attacks and air defense activity complicate flight operations and limit airport capacity.
Against this backdrop, Israeli-linked airlines are turning to alternative solutions ahead of Passover, operating flights from nearby countries to bypass restrictions.
Beginning March 30, Greece-based Blue Bird Airways and Cyprus-based TUS Airways, both owned by Israel’s Kavei Hofsha Group, plan to run daily flights from Taba in Egypt to destinations including Crete, Larnaca, Rome, Budapest, and Athens.
The flight schedules are designed to accommodate Israeli travelers arriving overland, though passengers will need to arrange their own transportation, as no shuttle services will be provided to or from Taba or Aqaba in Jordan.
As Passover approaches, the ongoing war and widespread flight cancellations are disrupting one of Israel’s busiest travel periods, leaving tens of thousands uncertain about their plans.
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