A vast number of airlines temporarily halted their flights to Israel, due to safety concerns. This was due to the unfortunate events occurring in October 2023 when Hamas attacked southern Israel. The decision by these airlines has had a negative impact on the Israeli travel industry. The good news for travellers is that a number of airlines have already reinstated their routes with more planning to resume their flights schedules in 2024.
Are you wondering is it currently safe to travel to Israel? When will flights restart to the country? We have created a detailed guide, answering important questions and offering valuable advise to those wanting to visit Israel in 2024.
European Airlines Resuming Flights to Israel in 2024
If you are planning to travel to Israel in the near future, the good news is that some European airlines resumed flights as of 5 April 2024.
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Delta Airlines have advised that they are reinstating their New York – JFK to Tel Aviv flights on 7 June. This decision was made after conducting thorough security reviews. The route will operate using their Airbus A330-900neo, enabling the airline to provide around two thousand seats weekly from New York to Israel.
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United Airlines is another of the airlines that have conducted a thorough safety evaluation and announced in February 2024 that they will be resuming flights as of March. United Airlines took the lead when they announced that they would be resuming their New Jersey to Tel Aviv flights.
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Air Canada resumed their flights on 9 April 2024 after carrying out a safety review and consulting with government regarding their safety concerns. The Air Canada flights includes three weekly flights from Toronto and one from Montreal.
Airlines Currently Operating Flights to Israel
There are currently thirteen airlines that are currently offering flights to and from Israel, these airlines include:
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Aegean Airlines, providing flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion
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Austrian Airlines with flights to and from Vienna
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Air France has resumed flights to and from Paris
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Air Europa is offering flights from Madrid
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British Airways has resumed their London flight route
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Cyprus Airways is providing flights to and from Cyprus
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Easyjet has resumed their flight schedules from Amsterdam, Basel, Berlin, Geneva, London, and Manchester
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Ethiopian Airlines are offering flights from Addis Ababa
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Finnair has resumed their Helsinki flight route
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FlyDubai have re-instated their Dubai flight schedule
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Israir are providing flights from Athens, Budapest, Bucharest, Batumi, Dubai, Varna, Tbilisi, Larnaca, and Sofia
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Swiss are offering flights to and from Zurich
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Wizz Air have reinstated their Budapest, Sofia, London, Rome, and Bucharest flights
It is important to stay updated with any changes that may occur by checking with the airline before booking.
Travel Essentials for Israel in 2024
If you wish to visit Israel in 2024, there are some important essentials to bear in mind, these include:
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A valid passport with six months remaining beyond your planned stay. Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South African, and United States citizens can visit Israel without a visa, as long as their passports meet validity requirements
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If you intent staying in a hotel or booking car hire, you will need a stamped slip from passport control in Israel. This acts as your official identification during your stay.
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Modest clothing is required when visiting religious sites. Some synagogues may require married women to wear head coverings.
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Pack your credit card, first aid kit, and some casual clothing
Is It Safe to Travel to Israel Now?
It has been announced that Israel is a safe destination for travellers, even with the unfortunate events that look place. Israel have confirmed that the only areas of concern is the Gaza strip and Northern borders where all their citizens have been relocated from, ensuring the safety of all.
