Wizz Air and United airlines Announce Early Return to Israel

Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air will resume flights to Israel earlier than expected, returning on August 8, airline sources confirmed on Tuesday. The move comes amid a gradual reopening of Israeli airspace following the ceasefire after Operation “Am Kalavi” in Iran.

Initially, Wizz Air had announced it would suspend operations to and from Tel Aviv until at least September 15, citing security concerns. In a message to Israeli passengers, the company had stated:

“The safety and security of passengers, crew and aircraft are our top priorities.”

However, following a high-level conversation between Wizz Air’s CEO and Israel’s Minister of Transportation, and under significant diplomatic pressure, the airline agreed to bring forward its return.

The first routes to resume will be from Larnaca (Cyprus) and Budapest (Hungary), with a gradual expansion expected in the weeks following.

United Airlines: First U.S. Carrier to Return

In another significant development, United Airlines announced it will resume flights to Israel on July 21, making it the first American airline to restore service after the conflict.

United had previously halted all flights amid the military escalation and temporary closure of Ben Gurion Airport. Flights will now be operated using Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with the first outbound flight from New York to Tel Aviv on July 21, and the first return flight on July 22.

In its statement, United emphasized its commitment to the Israeli market:

“The resumption of operations to Tel Aviv reflects United’s long-standing commitment. All operational decisions are made after a thorough regional assessment and in close coordination with our pilot and flight attendant unions.”

Wave of Airline Returns Continues

The return of Wizz Air and United follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) decision this week to lift all flight restrictions to Israel. The U.S. State Department has also lowered its travel advisory for Israel from Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”).

Several airlines have already resumed flights to Israel, including:

• Israeli carriers

• Fly Dubai

• Ethiopian Airlines

• China’s Hainan Airlines

• Etihad Airways

• Red Wings

• TUS Airways

• Blue Bird Airways

• JetBlue Airways

• Azerbaijan Airlines

Airlines Planning Return in the Coming Weeks

Many major carriers are still preparing to relaunch their routes, with anticipated return dates as follows:

• Air Europa, LOT – July 14

• ITA Airways – End of July

• Lufthansa Group (Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) – August 1

• Air Seychelles – August 1

• Air India, Delta Airlines – August 31

• Air Canada – September 7

• Air Baltic – September 30

• British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Iberia, Swiss – October 25

Transportation Ministry Optimistic About Full Recovery

The Ministry of Transportation welcomed Wizz Air’s decision and expressed hope that more European and North American airlines will follow suit in the coming weeks, helping to restore Israel’s aviation industry to pre-war levels.