Full Breakdown
Disruption of Air Travel to Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran
3/15/2026, 6:53:53 AM
Impact of the Conflict on Air Travel
The ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran has led to a significant disruption in air travel, particularly affecting foreign airlines and local carriers. Major international airlines, including British Airways, Air Canada, and Lufthansa, have suspended flights to and from Israel, citing safety concerns due to the military situation. As of late February 2023, Israel's airspace was largely closed to commercial traffic following joint military operations with the United States against Iranian targets. This closure has left many travelers stranded and has forced airlines to cancel or postpone flights indefinitely.
Local Airlines Capitalizing on the Situation
With foreign airlines withdrawing from the market, Israeli carriers such as El Al, Arkia, and Israir are the only options for travelers. El Al, Israel's flagship airline, has been criticized for price gouging during this crisis, with ticket prices reportedly increasing by 15% to 16% in just a few days. Mark Feldman, CEO of Ziontours Jerusalem, noted that El Al is benefiting from a near monopoly on routes, as most travelers are opting for the perceived reliability of local carriers despite the higher costs. For instance, round-trip tickets to New York with El Al are priced at approximately $1,990, compared to $1,700 with United Airlines.
Government and Airline Responses
In response to the crisis, El Al has initiated special flights to evacuate American citizens stranded in Israel due to canceled flights. These flights are being organized in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and are designated exclusively for U.S. citizens. However, El Al has also canceled all regular scheduled flights through March 21, operating only a limited number of recovery flights. The airline's ability to restore regular service will depend on security conditions and government approvals, which remain uncertain.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of competitive pricing and the potential exploitation of travelers by local airlines. The Israeli competition watchdog has already imposed a fine on El Al for allegedly charging excessive fares during the ongoing conflict. Many travelers are left feeling anxious about their travel plans, with some having to choose between costly rebookings or cancellation fees.
Conflicting Reports and Future Outlook
While some airlines have announced tentative plans to resume flights, the situation remains fluid. For example, Delta and American Airlines have extended their flight suspensions into late March, while others like Air France have indicated a possible return by mid-March. However, the overall outlook for air travel to Israel is uncertain, with many travelers advised to remain flexible and prepared for last-minute changes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every day that we are at war means another foreign carrier is going to delay its return until it’s quiet in the skies over Israel,” — Mark Feldman, CEO of Ziontours Jerusalem
- “Most bookings we are getting are almost exclusively on El Al, which reinforces, once more, why El Al will have a dominant position, and reap the benefits from a near monopoly on its routes,” — Mark Feldman, CEO of Ziontours Jerusalem
- “These flights are expected to depart at full capacity, subject to government approvals,” — El Al statement regarding evacuation flights for Americans
The ongoing conflict continues to create a complex and challenging environment for air travel to and from Israel, with both immediate and long-term implications for travelers and airlines alike.
