PARIS- Air France (AF) resumes flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and Paris (CDG), operating seven weekly services starting tomorrow. This marks the carrier’s return to Israel after a missile incident halted operations.
The airline offers Israeli travelers access to over 300 global destinations via Paris, strengthening connectivity to Europe and North America. Other airlines’ cancellations contrast with this move.
Air France to Resume Tel Aviv Flight
After suspending flights on May 4 due to a missile strike by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) grounds, Air France (AF) will resume its Tel Aviv to Paris (CDG) route.
According to Globes, Air France will operate seven weekly flights, providing a consistent schedule for travelers.
This resumption follows multiple delays, reflecting cautious planning amid regional tensions. The airline’s return signals confidence in the safety of operations at Tel Aviv Airport, a key hub for Israeli travelers.
Air France’s service restoration aligns with other foreign airlines resuming flights to Israel.
Carriers such as Delta (DL), Air Europe (UX), Wizz Air (W6), Aegean (A3), and Azerbaijan Airlines (J2) have already restarted operations.
Despite ongoing regional challenges, this collective return highlights improving conditions for international travel to and from Tel Aviv.
British Airways’ Flight Suspension
British Airways’ (BA) decision to extend its flight suspension to Israel until the end of July has raised concerns about potential ripple effects across the aviation industry.
As one of the largest and most influential carriers operating long-haul services to Israel, its continued absence could pressure smaller airlines with fewer resources to manage risk and operational complexity.
The suspension exacerbates congestion on the popular Tel Aviv–London route, where capacity remains limited despite growing demand.
British Airways had previously explored alternatives such as crew stopovers in Larnaca or Munich to avoid overnight stays in Israel, but these temporary solutions proved costly and unsustainable.
British Airways, along with Ryanair (FR), was among the most vocal foreign airlines advocating for amendments to Israel’s Aviation Services Law.
This law, designed to protect passenger rights during cancellations or delays, became a financial burden during wartime conditions.
The amended version allows temporary exemptions from compensation requirements under a declared “special situation,” though the Minister of Transport has not yet activated it.
Despite the legal changes, British Airways has not resumed flights, citing ongoing uncertainty. Its cautious stance may influence smaller carriers that lack the infrastructure to handle complex risk scenarios.
Analysts warn that prolonged suspensions by major airlines could create a cycle of instability, discouraging others from returning until conditions are perceived as fully normalized.
Lufthansa Group Extends Cancellations
Lufthansa Group has also extended its cancellation of flights to Tel Aviv until June 15, inclusive.
The group includes Lufthansa (LH), Swiss (LX), Austrian Airlines (OS), Brussels Airlines (SN), and Eurowings (EW).
Italian carrier ITA Airways (AZ), in which Lufthansa holds a 41% stake, has also suspended all Tel Aviv services until that date.
In a statement, Lufthansa Group said, “Lufthansa Group regrets any inconvenience this situation may cause our customers and continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East.
The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority.” Affected passengers can cancel or rebook flights without penalty.
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