TEL AVIV- El Al Israel (LY) has postponed the planned launch of its Sun d’Or service from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Marrakech (RAK) until at least December 15, following new security directives and pending operating approvals from Israeli authorities.
Meanwhile, United Airlines (UA) is expanding its Tel Aviv network with four weekly flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) from October 26 and three weekly flights to Washington Dulles (IAD) from October 28. The changes come as security concerns affect Israeli airlines’ plans for Morocco.
El Al Suspends Marrakech Launch Amid Security Concerns
El Al announced on Thursday, October 22, that it had cancelled the planned November 16 launch of the Marrakech route operated by its Sun d’Or subsidiary. The airline has postponed the service until at least December 15 while it works with Israeli security authorities to secure the necessary approvals.
The airline said it remained in contact with security officials and relevant authorities to obtain permission to operate the route. It has not confirmed a new launch date.
Refunds and Rebooking Options for Passengers
El Al is offering affected passengers three options following the cancellation. Customers can receive a full monetary refund, obtain a credit voucher for future travel, or change their booking to another European destination served by El Al or Sun d’Or.
Passengers choosing an alternative destination can rebook without paying an additional fee or fare difference. The replacement flight must fall within three days before or after the original departure date.
The options aim to give passengers flexibility while the airline waits for approval to operate flights to Morocco.
Arkia and Israir Also Halt Marrakech Plans
El Al’s decision follows similar moves by Arkia (IZ) and Israir (6H), which have also suspended ticket sales or expansion plans for the Tel Aviv to Marrakech route.
Arkia suspended ticket sales on October 21 following a request from Israeli security authorities. The airline resumed operating the Marrakech route in August 2026 and had been running two weekly nonstop flights.
Arkia is reviewing the route’s future and discussing the implications of the security directives with the relevant authorities. If Israel decides to stop its airlines from operating flights to Morocco, Arkia has indicated that it could explore alternatives, including arrangements with commercial partners or the use of leased aircraft.
Israir had announced plans to expand its Moroccan operations, including additional Marrakech services. However, the airline put those plans on hold following an incident involving a flydubai (FZ) flight and the introduction of new security directives.
The restrictions concern security requirements for flights operated by Israeli airlines using leased foreign aircraft and crews. The three carriers’ decisions reflect the uncertainty surrounding the approval process rather than confirmation of a permanent ban on flights to Morocco.
Israeli Airlines Continue to Face Dubai Restrictions
The security impasse has also affected Israeli airlines’ ability to operate flights to Dubai. The parties have yet to reach an arrangement that satisfies Israel’s security services and allows Israeli carriers to resume the service.
The unresolved situation adds further uncertainty for airlines seeking to expand their Middle Eastern and North African networks. The final outcome will depend on security requirements and the operating arrangements approved by the relevant authorities.
United Airlines Adds Chicago and Washington Flights
While Israeli carriers face uncertainty over Morocco, United Airlines is increasing its US connectivity from Tel Aviv.
The airline will launch four weekly flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) on October 26. It will follow this with three weekly flights to Washington Dulles (IAD) from October 28.
The new routes will complement United’s existing Tel Aviv to New York service, which resumed on September 9. The airline currently operates two daily flights on that route.
United had suspended the service during Operation Roaring Lion against Iran in February and March 2026 before restarting operations in September.
San Francisco Flights Planned for March 2027
United also plans to restore its Tel Aviv to San Francisco (SFO) service on March 30, 2027. The planned return would give the airline another US destination from Israel, alongside its New York, Chicago and Washington services.
These expansion plans come amid heightened regional security tensions. Reports cited by Globes have also suggested that Israel and the United States developed a plan for a possible attack on Iran, although the report did not provide details to independently establish that claim.
The airline’s planned network expansion therefore takes place against a changing security backdrop, even as it increases its presence in the Israeli market.
More Airlines Increase Competition on Tel Aviv to New York
United is not the only US carrier to have returned to Israel. Delta Air Lines (DL) resumed its Israeli operations in September, while Israir has also begun flying the Tel Aviv to New York route for the first time.
According to Globes, the number of airlines serving the Tel Aviv to New York market has increased from two to five. The additional competition has contributed to a reduction in fares, giving passengers more choices.
Data reported by lastminute.co.il put the average November ticket price across the five airlines at $1,223.
| Airline | Average November ticket price |
|---|---|
| Israir (6H) | $1,135 |
| United Airlines (UA) | $1,190 |
| Arkia (IZ) | $1,230 |
| Delta Air Lines (DL) | $1,265 |
| El Al (LY) | $1,295 |
Israir recorded the lowest average price at $1,135, followed by United Airlines at $1,190. El Al had the highest average among the five carriers at $1,295.
The report also indicated that fares could fall below $1,000 at the beginning of 2027. That outlook remains dependent on factors including fuel prices, which can affect airline operating costs and ticket pricing.
The developments highlight two contrasting trends in Israeli aviation. Security directives have delayed El Al, Arkia, and Israir’s Marrakech plans, while United’s expanded US network and greater competition on the New York route are creating more travel options for passengers.
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