Delta extends flight suspension to Israel through May 19 following a Houthi missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport, part of broader service disruptions affecting all major U.S. carriers amid escalating regional tensions.
Delta Air Lines has extended the suspension of its Tel Aviv route through May 19, citing “ongoing conflict in the region” after Yemen’s Houthi rebels reportedly fired a ballistic missile that struck Ben Gurion Airport.
The U.S. carrier’s daily nonstop service from New York JFK Airport remains on hold as airlines continue to monitor the security situation following Sunday’s attack, which prompted multiple international carriers to cancel flight services to Israel.
“Delta is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports and will communicate any updates as needed,” the airline stated regarding the route suspension.
Delta is not alone in its decision. According to Tourist Israel, all three major American airlines â Delta, United, and American â have suspended their routes to the Israeli airport. This affects multiple direct connections between the U.S. and Tel Aviv, including flights from Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC.
The missile strike on Ben Gurion International represents a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. Israel responded with “sweeping airstrikes” against Sanaa International Airport in Yemen on Tuesday, May 6, according to Reuters. Israel also conducted a retaliatory attack on Hodeidah port on Monday, May 5.
According to Yemen officials, service at Sanaa Airport will also be suspended until May 20, creating disruptions to aviation operations in both countries.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region since the Gaza war began. The U.S. and UK have been carrying out air strikes on Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen since January 2024 in response to Houthi attacks on Red Sea-bound ships, where almost 15% of global seaborne trade typically passes, according to the BBC.
While the missile strike at Ben Gurion resulted in minor injuries, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported three deaths from Israel’s retaliatory strikes. Reuters reported that Israel warned people to leave the area around Sanaa International Airport before Tuesday’s air strike.
Ben Gurion International’s website is currently down, showing a 404 error, providing no indication whether service will resume before the scheduled May 20 reopening date.
The recent escalation by both sides marks a significant increase in regional tensions that will likely continue to disrupt air travel to and from both Israel and Yemen without a change in the security situation.
Key Takeaways
- Delta Air Lines has extended its Tel Aviv route suspension through May 19 due to security concerns.
- A Houthi-fired ballistic missile struck Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, though no critical infrastructure was reportedly damaged.
- All three major U.S. carriers â Delta, United, and American â have suspended service to Israel.
- Israel responded with strikes against Yemen’s Sanaa Airport, which is also suspending service until May 20.
- The conflict represents an escalation that continues to disrupt regional air travel.
