The Gaza Conflict and Its Impact on Israel’s Tourism Industry

The Gaza conflict, which erupted in October 2023, had a devastating impact on Israel’s tourism industry. Following a surprise attack by Hamas, the sector came to a grinding halt as governments worldwide issued travel warnings, advising their citizens to avoid visiting the region. Airlines swiftly suspended their services to Israel, and the country’s once-thriving tourism economy suffered greatly. However, with the recent implementation of a ceasefire agreement, there is newfound optimism that travel to and from Israel will gradually return to normal. European airlines, in particular, are leading the charge, announcing plans to reinstate flights to Tel Aviv and other destinations, signaling a tentative revival of the tourism industry.

European Airlines Lead the Charge in Resuming Flights to Israel

As the ceasefire agreement takes hold, European airlines are wasting no time in restoring their flight schedules to Israel. According to data from OAG, a leading air travel intelligence provider, European carriers have already scheduled hundreds of additional flights to Israel through the spring, with the number of weekly flights to Tel Aviv expected to surge from fewer than 850 in January to over 1,200 by mid-May. This rapid resurgence is a testament to the region’s enduring appeal as a travel destination and the aviation industry’s confidence in its recovery.

Among the early movers are some of Europe’s most prominent airlines. Lufthansa Group, which includes SWISS, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, has announced its return to Israel starting on 1 February. However, the group has maintained its suspension of flights to Tehran and Beirut, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions in those regions. Wizz Air, a Hungarian budget carrier, has also resumed its operations, reconnecting Tel Aviv with key European cities such as London, Budapest, Vienna, Milan, Warsaw, and Athens.

Other major European carriers, such as British Airways and ITA Airways, have followed suit. ITA Airways plans to restart its Rome-Tel Aviv route on 1 February, initially with one daily flight before increasing to two flights a day from 16 February. British Airways, meanwhile, will relaunch its Israel services on 5 April, starting with one daily flight and expanding to double daily flights from 20 April. Air France and its subsidiary Transavia France are also set to resume their Tel Aviv routes, with flights scheduled to begin on 24 January and 27 January, respectively.

Budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet are taking a more cautious approach, but both have expressed their commitment to returning to Israel. Ryanair, which suspended its flights in October 2023, has indicated that it is preparing to operate a full schedule by the summer, with potential flights resuming as early as 30 March. EasyJet, a popular choice among Israeli travelers, has announced that it will restart flights to Tel Aviv on 1 June, offering connections to seven European cities, including London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Milan.

US Airlines Take a More Cautious Approach

While European airlines are swiftly resuming their Israel routes, their US counterparts have been slower to act. None of the "big three" American carriers—Delta, American Airlines, or United—have yet announced plans to restart their Israel flights. This hesitancy may be attributed to a combination of factors, including longer flight distances, higher operational costs, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

John Grant, a partner at Midas Aviation, an aviation analytics firm, explains that shorter-haul carriers are typically quicker to reintroduce services following a crisis due to lower operational barriers. "Every airline will be keen to return to the market as soon as possible while complying with the necessary advisories," Grant notes. "Airlines operating shorter sectors will be easier to find than those from the United States, for instance." He also highlights the importance of aircraft availability in enabling European carriers to resume their Israel flights more quickly.

Airlines That Never Stopped Flying to Israel

Despite the widespread disruption caused by the conflict, a handful of airlines never ceased their operations to Israel. Homegrown carriers EL AL and Arkia continued to fly throughout the crisis, albeit under significant risks. This decision not only allowed them to maintain their market presence but also proved financially rewarding. EL AL, Israel’s national carrier, reported a record $1 billion in revenue during the third quarter of 2023, with profits soaring by nearly 260 percent compared to the previous year.

The absence of international competition created a unique opportunity for EL AL and Arkia to capitalize on the demand for flights to and from Israel. However, with more airlines now returning to the market, the competitive landscape is set to change dramatically.

In addition to Israeli carriers, several Middle Eastern airlines, such as Etihad and flyDubai, continued their Israel operations throughout the conflict. Their decision to maintain services was partly driven by political considerations, particularly following the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) diplomatic recognition of Israel in 2020. Emirates, another major Gulf carrier, also operated flights to Tel Aviv for several months but suspended its services in early October 2024, following an Iranian air strike on Israel. The airline has yet to clarify when it plans to resume its Israel flights.

Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?

The question of safety remains a critical concern for potential travelers to Israel. While the ceasefire has brought a measure of stability to the region, many countries still maintain travel advisories cautioning against non-essential visits. For instance, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) lifted some of its restrictions in December, no longer advising against "all but essential travel" to major tourist destinations such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat, the Dead Sea, Galilee, and Haifa. However, it continues