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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a significant development affecting U.S.-Israel air travel, American Airlines has announced an extended suspension of its Tel Aviv service through late summer 2025, according to information reported by the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS.org). The carrier’s daily non-stop route between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tel Aviv will remain inactive until at least September 2025, marking a substantial gap in international travel options for passengers between these major destinations.
The Dallas-headquartered airline has implemented measures to accommodate affected passengers, announcing that customers whose travel plans are disrupted can either rebook their flights through partner airlines or opt for a full refund, as reported by JNS.org. This flexibility in rebooking options demonstrates the airline’s effort to minimize disruption for travelers, though the extended suspension period presents significant challenges for regular passengers on this route.
The suspension, which has been in place since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, marks the longest service interruption among major U.S. carriers. This extended pause in operations highlights the continuing impact of regional instability on international air travel to Israel, and reflects the broader challenges facing airlines operating in regions affected by geopolitical tensions.
Industry experts interviewed by JNS.org suggest that American Airlines’ decision to further delay service resumption was not unexpected. Mark Feldman, Jerusalem Director of Diesenhaus Tours, provided particular insight into the carrier’s historically challenging presence in the Israeli market. “American Airlines has never been enthusiastic about flying to Tel Aviv and her debut here was an unmitigated disaster,” Feldman told JNS.org. He noted that business travelers had typically avoided the airline due to frequent cancellations even before the current conflict, while their economy fares offered less flexibility compared to competitors.
The suspension has created significant implications for U.S.-Israel air travel. Currently, Israel’s national carrier El Al stands as the sole airline providing non-stop service between the United States and Israel. According to JNS.org, this limited availability has led to dramatic price increases on the crucial Tel Aviv-New York route, prompting an ongoing investigation into potential price gouging by El Al. The situation highlights the critical importance of maintaining competitive air routes between these key destinations and the impact that reduced competition can have on passenger costs.
Other major U.S. carriers have also adjusted their Israel operations. JNS.org reported that Delta Airlines plans to resume its New York-Tel Aviv service on April 1, 2025, while United Airlines, previously the leader in U.S.-Israel routes, has suspended its Tel Aviv service indefinitely. These varying approaches by different carriers reflect the complex decision-making processes airlines must navigate when operating in challenging geopolitical environments.
The impact of these service suspensions extends beyond mere transportation logistics. The reduced connectivity between the United States and Israel affects business relationships, tourism, and family connections between the two countries. The absence of multiple carriers on these routes has created challenges for travelers who rely on regular air service for various purposes, from business meetings to family visits.
Looking ahead, Feldman’s assessment, as reported by JNS.org, suggests that American Airlines’ extended absence from the Israeli market may have minimal long-term impact. “Bottom line, when the war ends her absence will not be felt,” he stated to JNS.org. This perspective indicates that the market may have already adapted to the carrier’s absence.
