The options are dwindling: A new wave of flight cancellations to Israel

Israeli airspace crisis: LOT cancels flights until November, Air France extends suspension, and American Airlines halts flights until September 2025.

 LOT Airlines (photo credit: PR)
LOT Airlines
(photo credit: PR)

The aviation crisis in Israel is intensifying as more major international airlines announce extended suspensions of their flights for prolonged periods throughout the week. This time, it is the turn of the Polish airline LOT, which has been a central hub for Israeli passengers traveling to destinations in Europe and beyond. The company announced an extension of flight cancellations until November 27. This is not the first time the airline has postponed its return to Israel, making this decision a significant blow to many passengers who relied on it for connecting flights to farther destinations.

LOT is not the only airline halting flights this week. Air France and the Greek airline Aegean have also extended their flight cancellations to Israel until mid-November. Let's not forget the painful decision of American Airlines, which has removed all its flights to Israel until after the summer of 2025.

The ongoing cancellations significantly impact the flight options available to Israeli passengers. The decrease in the number of airlines operating direct flights to Israel is driving up prices on active routes and forcing travelers to plan more complex itineraries that include layovers.

Aviation experts recommend that passengers regularly check the status of their flights, consider purchasing flexible travel insurance, and explore alternative routes through airlines that continue to operate in Israel. It is especially important to stay updated on the cancellation and change policies of flight tickets, given the prevailing uncertainty in the industry.

The current situation presents significant challenges for the Israeli aviation sector. Although Israeli airlines continue to operate on major routes, the reduction in foreign airline activity severely limits the available flight options for the Israeli public. Passengers are advised to stay informed and follow announcements from airlines regarding additional changes to flight schedules.