With a busy summer of travel, United Airlines continues to make bold decisions for its routes. In recent times, United cancelled two domestic U.S. routes without offering much of an explanation. United hit the brakes on its route from Denver to Fort Collins, as well as from Newark to Allentown, Pa. The Denver service ends in a week on July 31st, while the Newark flight ends in early September.
United Airlines continues with schedule adjustments. One of its recent moves caught the attention of several passengers. The airline has decided to revive a route that was suspended just a couple of months ago. The airline is one of the first to do so, particularly in the United States.
Here’s a closer look at the reinstated route and how American Airlines and Delta Air Lines responded to the move. We’ll also review the U.S. Department of State’s travel warning regarding the destination and check if anything has changed on that end.
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United Airlines Has Officially Resumed Flights To Israel After Suspension In Early May
The summer of 2025 is another packed time of year for United. This year, in particular, has been extra busy, with the airline announcing its most significant international expansion yet, featuring eight new destinations. The new cities are spread across Africa, Oceania, Asia and Europe.
Overall, United operates at least 760 flights weekly, excluding international flights.
Additionally, 40 destinations are not served by other U.S. carriers.
This is a recurring theme, as United is also the first U.S. carrier to announce a return to a previously controversial overseas destination.
Mike Fuchslocher / Shutterstock
United Airlines
As it currently stands, United Airlines will be resuming flights to Tel Aviv. Flights were suspended in early May due to safety concerns. The route between Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and New York has now been restored, a week ahead of schedule. This is a positive sign that the safety conditions have improved.
United Airlines will operate two flights daily between Tel Aviv and New York, according to Globes.
Despite the advancements and reduced safety risk, the U.S. Department of State has not issued any updates since July 13th. In that update more than a week ago, several areas of Israel were deemed unsafe, and in many cases, “Do Not Travel” zones were designated.
Despite United’s Return To Israel, The U.S. Department Of State’s Strict Advisories Remain In Place For Tel Aviv
Via: Shutterstock
A section of the Tel Aviv Promenade
As far as Tel Aviv is concerned, the security situation is still deemed “unpredictable.” Therefore, both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are under “Reconsider Travel” advisories due to terrorism and civil unrest.
The Department of State wrote:
“The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning.”
Additionally, there are “Do Not Travel” areas as well. Those include Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict and within 11.3 km/7 miles of the Gaza Periphery, Northern Israel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to continued military presence and activity, and the Egyptian border within 2.4km/1.5 miles, except for the Taba crossing.
Those three main areas are considered violent hubs.
“Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities,” the department of state added in its warning.
Americans are strongly advised against visiting, and are being told to have a plan for departing that does not rely on U.S. government assistance, particularly for those leaving or arriving from Gaza.
Despite the warnings in place, United isn’t the only airline that has changed its stance on travel to Israel. Another airline also plans to re-establish service for the fall.
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United Isn’t The Only Major U.S. Airline Set For A Return To Israel
Delta Air Lines refers to Tel Aviv as a “Mediterranean Delight” on its website.
The commercial carrier writes, “Beyond serving as a gateway to Israel’s many historic and religious sites, Tel Aviv is renowned in its own right as a must-visit destination. Neighboring the historic port city of Jaffa, Tel Aviv sits on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and offers incredible cultural experiences like museums, street art, clubs and food alongside stunning ocean sunsets.”
Similar to United Airlines, Delta has also changed its schedule, resuming flights to Israel on September 1st. United and Delta Air Lines are joined by Neos and Bulgaria Air, two carriers that are also resuming flights to Israel.
As for American Airlines, they haven’t changed their stance since the fall of 2023, continuing to refuse service to Israel. Due to the ongoing conflict, American Airlines has stayed away, and there’s still no timetable for a potential return.
We certainly can’t blame American Airlines for its decision. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on United Airlines and Delta re-establishing flights to Israel. Is it the right move? Chime in down below.