Following an extended period of volatile timetables and restricted flight availability across Israeli airspace, three major carriers are scheduled to resume regular operations to and from Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday. The resumptions will significantly broaden travel options to premier hubs across Europe and the United States, though passengers booking one specific route face an important operational caveat.
2+British flag carrier British Airways is scheduled to reinstate its direct services between London and Tel Aviv today. London represents one of the most critical commercial, tourism, and family travel destinations for Israeli passengers. The British carrier’s return is set to expand consumer choice, offering travelers broader scheduling flexibility and pricing options on a primary transatlantic conduit. Restoring nonstop flights eliminates the need for intermediary European stopovers that have added travel hours and costs in recent months.
Simultaneously, Israeli flag carrier El Al is slated to resume direct operations between Tel Aviv and San Francisco today. The service establishes direct connectivity between Israel and Northern California without intermediate aircraft transfers, substantially easing travel logistics for business executives, tech sector personnel, and tourists bound for the American West Coast. While direct routing simplifies travel, passengers should verify scheduled frequencies and pricing for their travel dates.
2+Also resuming operations today is Spanish carrier Iberia Express on the Madrid–Tel Aviv corridor. In addition to serving as a primary leisure destination, the Spanish capital functions as a major transit gateway for travelers connecting to regional Spanish cities and wider European networks.
However, passengers booking Iberia Express tickets must note an operational asymmetry between the two flight legs: flights from Tel Aviv to Madrid are scheduled to operate nonstop, whereas flights from Madrid to Tel Aviv include a short technical stop in Athens. Travelers booking round-trip flights must review each segment individually, as the Greek stopover lengthens total inbound travel time.
2+While the return of British Airways, El Al’s West Coast link, and Iberia Express marks a tangible expansion of Israel’s civil aviation network, defense and transport authorities recommend that travelers confirm real-time schedules, seat availability, and terminal logistics directly with the operating carriers before arriving at Ben Gurion Airport.