Major Airlines Extend Israel Flight Suspensions Amid Iran War

Delta, United, and El Al cancel flights through summer as conflict continues

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Major international airlines including Delta, United, and Israel's El Al have extended their suspensions of flights to Israel amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. Delta is suspending flights from New York to Tel Aviv until June, while United has frozen ticket sales for Newark to Tel Aviv flights until mid-June. El Al has canceled all regular scheduled flights through March 27 due to operational restrictions at Ben-Gurion Airport.

Why it matters

The extended flight suspensions will severely disrupt travel plans for Israelis and those hoping to visit Israel, especially during the upcoming Passover and Easter holidays. This highlights the broader impact the Israel-Iran conflict is having on the region's economy and mobility.

The details

Delta, United, and El Al have all taken steps to suspend or limit flights to Israel as the war with Iran continues. Delta is extending its New York to Tel Aviv suspension until June 1, while postponing Atlanta flights until August. United has frozen ticket sales from Newark to Tel Aviv until June 15, with some routes unavailable until September. El Al has canceled all regular scheduled flights through March 27 due to airport restrictions.

  • On March 19, 2026, Delta announced it is extending its suspension of flights to Israel until June 1.
  • On March 19, 2026, United Airlines froze ticket sales for flights from Newark to Tel Aviv until June 15, with some routes unavailable until September.
  • On March 19, 2026, El Al canceled all regular scheduled flights through March 27 due to operational restrictions at Ben-Gurion Airport.

The players

Delta Air Lines

An American airline headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia that operates flights to Israel from New York's JFK Airport.

United Airlines

An American airline that has historically been the largest U.S. carrier serving Israel, with flights from its Newark hub.

El Al

Israel's national airline that has canceled all regular scheduled flights through March 27 due to the ongoing conflict.

Mark Feldman

The CEO of Jerusalem's Ziontours travel agency.

Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command

The Israeli military body that has issued directives impacting operations at Ben-Gurion Airport.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It seems quite clear that no matter when President Trump decides to end the war in Iran, Passover and Easter travel have been severely affected. Most Israelis cannot get out of Israel for the holiday, and those who wanted to come to Israel find their flights canceled with no clear vision of when/if they will be reinstated.”

— Mark Feldman, CEO of Jerusalem's Ziontours

“El Al will benefit tremendously post-war, as confidence in foreign airlines once more reached a nadir, even as spring and summer fares are already up by 15%.”

— Mark Feldman, CEO of Jerusalem's Ziontours

What’s next

The Israeli Transport Ministry will decide whether to further adjust passenger caps on flights departing Ben-Gurion Airport as the conflict with Iran continues.

The takeaway

The extended flight suspensions to Israel by major international airlines highlight the significant disruption the ongoing Israel-Iran war is causing to regional travel and the broader economic impact of the conflict.