United Airlines has suspended its operations to Tel Aviv in response to the recent missile attack by Iran on Israel, which occurred on April 13. This decision comes as a safety precaution, affecting numerous flights including the scheduled service from Newark and a planned departure to Jordan from Washington Dulles on Tuesday.
The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger and crew safety, stating, "We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on upcoming flights with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews." In light of the ongoing conflict, United has also relocated its flight crews from the region and plans to resume flights only when it is deemed safe.
Passengers who are booked on United flights to Tel Aviv up until May 1 are eligible for a full refund if they choose to cancel their reservations. United remains the sole U.S. airline that was servicing Israel directly, having only recently resumed flights in March after a temporary halt last October due to hostilities initiated by Hamas.
In contrast, Israeli airline El AL is maintaining its flight operations to the United States. Over the weekend, El AL operated all its scheduled U.S. services and announced the initiation of a new route with twice-weekly flights between Fort Lauderdale and Tel Aviv starting Monday. The airline is set to operate 10 flights to various U.S. cities on Monday alone.
El AL is also accommodating its customers during this volatile period, offering rebooking options without fees for travelers affected between April 13 and April 20. However, unlike United, El AL is providing travel credits instead of refunds for cancellations.
El AL spokesman Elie Rosenfeld commented on the airline's efforts to sustain its flight schedule, saying, "In trying times, El Al attempts to do its best to maintain a full flight schedule by not canceling flights. We're offering full vouchers so that passengers can make a comfortable decision for themselves and their families and they can visit Israel at a time that is more convenient for them."
