The flight board at Ben Gurion Airport is filling up again as numerous international carriers announce their return to Israeli skies after months of disruption. Currently, dozens of foreign airlines are already operating in the country, including the entire Lufthansa Group, Air France, Air Europa, Flydubai, Etihad, Hainan, and many other carriers.
On Sunday, a major airline is resuming operations in Israel – Air India. The Indian carrier will reopen direct flights to India while simultaneously expanding competition on routes to the East, with Bangkok expected to be particularly popular through connections in Delhi.
Concurrent with Air India's return, the coming month brings several significant developments for Israeli travelers. In less than two weeks, on March 15, United Airlines is set to become the first American carrier to return with a daily flight to New York. The airline will subsequently double its frequency to two daily flights beginning March 29.
Following closely behind, American carrier Delta will rejoin the market on April 1, bringing the total to four different airlines operating direct flights between Israel and the United States within a month. This expanded offering is expected to intensify competition between El Al, Arkia, United, and Delta. Currently, there is no confirmed information regarding American Airlines' return date to Israel.
Irish budget carrier Ryanair is scheduled to resume operations on March 30. The airline confirmed this return date and noted they are selling direct flights to more than ten destinations from Israel, including Berlin, Athens, Larnaca, and other cities. Spanish carrier Iberia will also restart operations on March 30, increasing competition on the Madrid route currently served by Israeli airlines and Air Europa. Air Baltic will follow on April 2 with direct flights to Riga, and three days later, on April 5, aviation giant British Airways is expected to return to Israeli skies.
The next month represents a critical period for aviation in Israel. If all carriers return as scheduled, alongside those already operating, it will mark a substantial improvement compared to the situation during the war period. Several major airlines have yet to announce their return, including Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Portuguese TAP, Emirates, Korean Air, American Airlines, and others.
