Lufthansa Halts Tel Aviv Flights Until June 22 as Conflict in Gaza Intensifies
Lufthansa Group has extended its suspension of all flights to and from Tel Aviv until June 22, the airline announced on Tuesday, citing security concerns amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
The decision comes after the latest flare-up in violence in northern Gaza, where the Israeli army confirmed the deaths of three soldiers in combat. Tensions have surged in recent weeks, leading many international carriers to reevaluate their operations in the region.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority,” Lufthansa said in a statement, adding that it continues to monitor the situation closely in consultation with international and local authorities.
Lufthansa joins a growing list of global airlines, including Air France, British Airways, and Delta, that have temporarily suspended operations in and out of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, a key regional travel hub.
Broader Impact on Travel and Tourism
The extended flight suspension adds further strain to Israel’s tourism and travel sector, which has seen significant disruption due to repeated outbreaks of violence. Travel advisories remain in effect for many Western countries, discouraging non-essential visits to southern and central Israel.
Airlines operating in volatile zones typically follow strict risk assessments and rely on real-time intelligence and government guidelines. In 2023, a similar escalation prompted over two dozen carriers to halt Tel Aviv routes for multiple weeks.
Next Steps
Lufthansa has assured affected passengers that rebooking and refund options will be made available through its website and customer service channels. The airline emphasized that flight resumptions would depend entirely on improvements in the regional security outlook.
With the security environment in flux, travelers with planned trips to Israel are urged to remain updated through official airline announcements and government travel advisories.
