Delta Air Lines has announced that it will extend its suspension of flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv until March 31, citing ongoing instability in the Middle East. The airline initially paused its flights to Tel Aviv following the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which heightened security concerns and led many international carriers to halt or adjust their operations in the region. Although Delta briefly resumed flights in June of this year, it reimplemented the suspension in August due to continuing regional unrest.
The latest extension was confirmed on Tuesday, with Delta stating that the decision is based on a careful assessment of safety risks for both passengers and crew. The airline is closely monitoring the situation, but the extension signals a cautious approach to operations in the region amid the ongoing conflict.
Delta’s decision aligns with similar moves by other major U.S. carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, which have also paused their flights to and from Tel Aviv. All three airlines initially suspended services following the October 2023 Hamas attack and have since been operating under intermittent suspensions depending on the security situation in Israel and Gaza.
The conflict has deeply impacted international travel to Israel, as airspace safety and the threat of violence remain top concerns for airlines and travelers alike. The suspension affects travelers and business routes that rely on connectivity between the U.S. and Israel, particularly New York’s strong ties to Tel Aviv, a major commercial and cultural hub in the Middle East.
Delta has indicated that it will continue to assess the situation and resume flights when it is deemed safe to do so. The airline has been coordinating with government officials and security experts to stay informed about the evolving conditions on the ground.
Passengers affected by the extended suspension are being notified of the changes, and Delta is offering rebooking options and refunds for those with flights scheduled between December 31, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
