United Airlines had revealed intentions to recommence flights to Israel on Wednesday, positioning itself as the inaugural American carrier to resume operations since the lethal Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7.
The Chicago-based airline outlined plans to reinstate its daily route from New York/Newark to Tel Aviv, slated to commence in March.
According to the airline’s statement, the initial two flights scheduled for March 2 and 4 will incorporate a stop at Munich International Airport in Switzerland. This stopover aims to ensure readiness among all service providers to facilitate seamless non-stop service to and from Newark.
United Airlines expressed its aspiration to fully reinstate daily nonstop service to Israel by March 6 from Newark, New Jersey. Preceding the October 7 attacks, United operated nonstop flights to Tel Aviv from its hubs in San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and Chicago O’Hare.
However, the airline clarified that it does not anticipate resuming those specific flights until at least autumn this year.
Following the attacks, American Airlines and Delta also suspended flights to Israel, with Delta recently disclosing plans to recommence flights on May 1. The decision to resume operations reflects a collaborative effort involving security experts, government officials, the Air Line Pilots Association, and the Association of Flight Attendants to devise protocols ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and passengers.
Beyond American carriers, several non-American airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Aegean, and Air France, have initiated the process of resuming flights to Tel Aviv, marking a collective step towards the restoration of passenger and cargo services amidst ongoing security considerations.