Published on
September 5, 2025
United Airlines has announced the resumption of direct flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport starting this November. After a break of nearly two years, the airline will restart flights from Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles airports to Israel’s main international gateway.
The resumption of services follows a turbulent period for international air travel to Israel. The conflict with the Hamas terror group on October 7, 2023, forced the suspension of most international flights. United Airlines will operate four weekly flights from Chicago starting November 1 and three weekly flights from Washington DC starting November 2, 2025.
Details of the New Routes
United’s Chicago-Tel Aviv route will operate four times a week, while the Washington-Tel Aviv route will be available three times per week. The airline, which now offers more flights to Tel Aviv than any other U.S. airline, will be the only carrier offering direct flights from both Chicago and Washington DC.
In a statement, Patrick Quayle, United’s V.P for Global Network Planning and Alliances, detailed how the resumption of these flights symbolizes United’s enduring and resilient efforts to serve the United States and Tel Aviv with sustainable air transport, even for the toughest of times.
These flights are especially significant as they restore vital travel links between the U.S. and Israel, following the temporary suspension of air services after the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.
Expansion Amid Post-Conflict Recovery
The U.S. airline joins others in restoring services to Tel Aviv following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. United’s move comes shortly after Delta resumed its route from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport to Tel Aviv on September 1, 2025, with seven weekly flights.
Before the ceasefire in mid-June, Israel’s airspace was closed due to military actions, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded. Since then, many European carriers have slowly started resuming flights, but British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair have not yet announced their plans for returning.
Even though region-focus carriers had to dedicate prime resources to resolving emerging market complexities, it’s safe to say that United Airlines is one of the few that still keeps to the original commitments the region require. Ever since the airspace was opened back on July 21, 2025, they were the first to push United Airlines’ flights from Newark Airport to Tel Aviv.
Safety and Security Measures Ensured
United Airlines emphasized that the resumption of services follows extensive operational, safety, and security assessments. The airline assured passengers that its flights would adhere to high safety standards while navigating the complex situation in the region. The company took these precautions in response to the tense geopolitical situation, including attacks targeting Israel’s airports.
Along with ensuring passenger security, the airline’s crucial operations and flight plan strategic purpose simultaneously serves as key connective travel between the United States and Israel.
Transportation Minister Praises United’s Commitment
On a visit to the United States on September 3, 2025, Transportation Minister Miri Regev met with executives from United Airlines. During this meeting, she discussed the airline’s commitment to further expanding routes to Israel. Regev expressed her satisfaction with the airline’s decision to resume flights, calling it “great news” for both Israelis and visitors coming to Israel.
He pointed out that the flights coming from Chicago and Washington DC showcase that, still, in the middle of all of this, Israel manages to keep strong ties all over the world, even in an all of this conflict. These flights provide not only the Israelis, but also foreigners, an necessary travel route and, for the most part, show how very strong we are.
A Turning Point for Travel to Israel
The resumption of these flights signals a turning point for international air travel to Israel, which had been severely disrupted following the outbreak of the October conflict. With United Airlines leading the charge, there is renewed optimism for restoring normal air travel operations to Tel Aviv and beyond.
United Airlines’ focus on Tel Aviv strengthens the relationship between the two countries, offering a much-needed connection for business travelers, tourists, and families wishing to visit Israel.
Image Courtesy: United Airlines
