Delta Air Lines has announced an extended suspension of flights connecting New York’s JFK Airport with Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until March 31, 2025. This decision stems from ongoing instability in the region, prompting Delta to prioritize the safety of its passengers. Alongside American Airlines, which has also suspended its services, Delta continues to monitor the volatile situation closely.
Currently, safety and security issues loom large in the Middle East. Various airlines have halted flights to Israel, Iran, and Lebanon due to escalating conflicts. Some flights have even rerouted to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace, reflecting heightened safety protocols. Delta’s announcement reiterates its commitment to passenger safety and situational awareness.
Customers affected by the flight suspension will receive updates through the Fly Delta app and their reservation channels. Delta Air Lines emphasizes that it will keep evaluating the security situation and adjust its schedules based on guidance from intelligence reports. The airline acknowledges that additional cancellations might arise as circumstances develop.
In response to the ongoing disruptions, Delta has introduced a travel waiver for customers with tickets booked to or from Tel Aviv before March 31, 2025. If Delta resumes flights and the rebooked travel occurs by June 1 in the same cabin class, the airline will not charge the fare difference. However, if passengers choose to fly in a different cabin or after June 1, fare differences may apply. Delta will also waive change fees for rescheduled travel beyond the cutoff date, but additional fare differences could occur. This waiver is valid only for tickets purchased on or before October 15, 2024. Any changes to travel origins or destinations might also lead to fare increases.
Delta Air Lines first suspended its flights to Israel last October, following attacks that heightened concerns. The airline resumed its service to Tel Aviv on June 7, 2024, operating daily flights on the Airbus A330neo. During the previous suspension, Delta’s customers accessed Tel Aviv through its codeshare agreement with El Al from major US cities. After an extensive security review, Delta aimed to offer reliable services.
However, as conflict in the region escalated, Delta canceled flights again in August 2024. Initially, the suspension was temporary, but it now extends through March 2025. Similarly, American Airlines, which planned to resume its flights in October 2024, has also extended its suspension.
United Airlines briefly resumed flights to Tel Aviv in March but faced interruptions. Although it resumed flights in June, its services are now suspended indefinitely. The evolving security landscape continues to impact airline operations, with Delta Air Lines and others remaining vigilant about the safety of their passengers.
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