Despite the War and Flight Disruptions Israelis Rush to Rebook Summer Vacations abroad

 The war with Iran and the recent Gaza operation, codenamed "Operation With a Dog", disrupted the start of Israel’s summer travel season, grounding flights and closing airspace just as hundreds of thousands of Israelis were preparing for their annual vacations abroad. But despite ongoing security concerns and repeated airline cancellations, Israelis are flocking back to the skies.

According to new data from Trip Guaranty, a company that insures flight cancellations for any reason, the first week of July saw a 33% increase in overall flight bookings compared to early June. Even more striking, bookings for July and August vacations surged 93% during the same period.

"This is an extraordinary jump in a market like Israel, where travelers usually prefer to book well in advance for lower prices," said Trip Guaranty CEO Mor Pafkin. "We’re seeing people who had already booked summer vacations but were forced to cancel due to the military operation. Despite the risks and financial losses, they are rescheduling their vacations anyway."

Security Situation Reshapes Israeli Travel Habits

The sharp increase in July bookings reflects how Operation With a Dog and the closure of Israeli airspace derailed typical vacation planning. In a country where early bookings are the norm, many found themselves scrambling to rebook at the last minute once the skies reopened.

"In normal years, Israelis plan their summer holidays months in advance. But this year, they’re reacting to real-time changes," said Pafkin. “Vacations are being canceled and rebooked on short notice, and we’re seeing a significant rise in customers choosing flight insurance.”

The figures also reveal how the absence of foreign airlines has shifted the market in favor of domestic carriers. Israeli airlines enjoyed a 30% boost in bookings during early July, as many international carriers had yet to fully resume operations.

Shift Begins to Stabilize in Mid-July

While the early July spike in bookings was dramatic, the pace began to level off in the second week of the month. Compared to mid-June:

• Overall flight bookings were up 11%

• Bookings specifically for summer vacations (July–August) rose 46%

• With the gradual return of foreign airlines, bookings for Israeli carriers fell 6%

“These numbers show how dynamic the situation is,” said Pafkin. “The moment foreign carriers return, it immediately impacts Israeli airlines.”

Rising Cancellations Reflect Growing Uncertainty

Beyond the numbers, Trip Guaranty is also noticing a shift in why people cancel their trips. "In the past, cancellations due to personal reasons were rare. Today, they’re increasingly common," Pafkin noted. “Families are dealing with a complex mix of rising costs, emotional stress, and a security situation that makes long-term planning nearly impossible.”

Despite these challenges, one thing remains consistent: Israelis' determination to take their summer vacation. “They’ll go at any cost,” Pafkin said. “Even if it’s more expensive, even if there are risks and last-minute changes—when summer comes, Israelis fly.”