Emirates Suspends All Flights to Tel Aviv Amid Ongoing Tensions

Emirates has officially suspended all flights to Tel Aviv amid escalating geopolitical tensions. This move follows a broader trend, as various airlines have curtailed or withdrawn their routes to Israel in response to ongoing conflicts.

Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on Airlines

Since the onset of conflict in 2023, carriers have reported a sharp decline in scheduled flights to Israel. Aviation analytics provider Cirium indicates a 10.8% decrease in flights compared to the previous year. Notably, major airlines such as American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, and Cathay Pacific have also halted their services to the country.

Emirates’ Withdrawal

Emirates was initially scheduled to resume its Dubai-Tel Aviv route in April 2026. However, all flights to Tel Aviv have recently been removed from the schedule. This suspension marks a notable shift, considering Emirates launched its service in June 2022 with strong demand. The airline utilized Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with a configuration featuring first-class suites, business-class seats, and economy seating.

Flydubai Maintains Operations

While Emirates has withdrawn, its codeshare partner, Flydubai, continues to operate. Flydubai initiated its Tel Aviv route in 2020 with two daily flights. The airline has since expanded its services, which peaked at ten daily flights by late 2023, demonstrating significant demand growth.

• Initial service: 2 daily flights
• Current service: Up to 10 daily flights
• Projected service after winter: 8 daily flights from March 2026

Flydubai uses various Boeing aircraft models, including the 737-800 and the 737 MAX series, to meet increasing traveler needs. Cirium reports a 33.7% increase in Flydubai’s flights scheduled compared to 2024, underscoring the robust demand for travel.

Other Airline Operations to Israel

Despite Emirates’ exit, other airlines are still maintaining routes to Israel. Etihad Airways, for example, currently operates four daily flights from Abu Dhabi and plans to increase its departures to five in December 2025. Several Israeli airlines, including El Al, Arkia, and Israir, also continue to connect various destinations with Tel Aviv.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, American Airlines has indicated plans to restart its New York-Tel Aviv route in March 2026. This return could be indicative of a gradual normalization of services to Israel as geopolitical situations evolve.

Statistical Overview

This shift in airline operations is reflective of ongoing challenges in the aviation sector, where geopolitical factors significantly influence travel routes and scheduling. As tensions persist, the landscape of air travel to and from Israel remains dynamic and uncertain.