EasyJet suspends Tel Aviv flights until March 2026
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EasyJet has extended its suspension of Tel Aviv flights until March 2026, reflecting a broader exodus of international airlines from Israeli airspace amid escalating missile threats and regional instability.
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An easyJet airlines Airbus A321 approaches for landing in Lisbon at sunset, on June 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
British budget airline easyJet announced on Tuesday the extension of its suspension of all flights to and from Tel Aviv until March 29, 2026, as international carriers increasingly withdraw from Israeli airspace.
"To provide our customers with certainty on our winter flying schedule, we will no longer be operating flights to Tel Aviv over the winter season, up to and including 28th March 2026," the airline stated in an email, adding: "We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to resuming our Tel Aviv flying from summer 2026."
While easyJet did not specify a security rationale, the decision comes as part of a broader trend among global airlines distancing themselves from "Israel" due to intensifying missile threats and military operations.
Carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa Group affiliates, Ryanair, Delta, and Air Canada have also suspended routes, citing instability and elevated risk. Additionally, Swiss International Air Lines has halted flights through October, and others are reassessing future operations.
Aviation siege
The most recent blow to "Israel's" aviation sector came on July 10, when the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) launched a Zulfiqar ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport, temporarily grounding all air traffic and sending millions into shelters.
"The operation successfully achieved its objective," said YAF spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree, adding that sirens were triggered across more than 300 towns and cities. Saree vowed to expand military actions and maintain Yemen's naval blockade until "Israel" ends its genocidal war on Gaza.
As part of that blockade, the Yemeni Navy has also aimed at vessels supporting the occupation. Just days before the airport strike, the YAF sank the cargo ship ETERNITY C on its way to the occupied port of Umm al-Rashrash, after giving the crew repeated warnings and time to evacuate.
The attack followed the destruction of the Magic Seas cargo ship, which was hit with a combination of drone boats, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, further tightening the siege on Israel's supply routes.
Analysts said the airlines' growing retreat from occupied Palestinian territory is a reflection not only of escalating military risks but of the increasing isolation of the occupation regime. While a handful of carriers like United Airlines are tentatively preparing to resume limited operations, most remain wary as Israeli infrastructure becomes a legitimate target of armed resistance.
Read more: From academia to defense, 'Israel' growing more and more isolated
