United to resume non-stop service from US to Israel after conducting a detailed safety …

United Airlines said it will resume flights from the United States to Israel beginning in March.

United is the first major US airline carrier to resume flights to Israel following the October 7 Hamas terror attack and ensuing war in Gaza.

United said there will be some connecting flights from New York and Newark on March 2 and March 4 and the goal is to begin daily non-stop flights on March 6.

“United conducted a detailed safety analysis in making this decision, including close work with security experts and government officials in the United States and Israel. We also worked closely with the Air Line Pilots Association and the Association of Flight Attendants to develop the protocols to ensure they are safe and well-informed,” the airline said in a statement.

The airline said it hopes to add a second daily flight from Newark as soon as May and could expand from there.

“Previous flying from San Francisco, Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare will be evaluated for resumption beginning in the fall,” the United statement said.

United’s decision to restart flights to Tel Aviv comes after a spate of European airlines made similar announcements recently, including Lufthansa (and with Lufthansa-owned SWISS and Austrian Airlines), Air France and Polish airline LOT.

Neither of the other major US airlines that historically offered flights to Israel, Delta and American Airlines, have resumed service yet. However, last month, Delta indicated that flights could restart in the spring.

United Airlines has announced that it will resume flights from the United States to Israel beginning in March, marking a significant development in the aviation industry’s response to the recent conflict in the region. United is set to become the first major U.S. airline to reinitiate flights to Israel following the October 7 Hamas terror attack and the subsequent war in Gaza.

The airline has outlined a phased approach to resuming its services, starting with a limited number of connecting flights from New York and Newark on March 2 and March 4. The goal is to ramp up to daily non-stop flights starting March 6. This decision comes after United conducted a comprehensive safety analysis, working closely with security experts and government officials from both the United States and Israel. The airline also collaborated with the Air Line Pilots Association and the Association of Flight Attendants to develop robust safety protocols, ensuring that all personnel involved are well-informed and secure.

In a statement, United Airlines emphasized its commitment to safety: “United conducted a detailed safety analysis in making this decision, including close work with security experts and government officials in the United States and Israel. We also worked closely with the Air Line Pilots Association and the Association of Flight Attendants to develop the protocols to ensure they are safe and well-informed.”

Looking ahead, United plans to expand its service incrementally. The airline hopes to add a second daily flight from Newark as early as May, with potential further expansions on the horizon. The statement also mentioned that United will evaluate the resumption of previous routes from San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and Chicago O’Hare beginning in the fall.

United’s decision to resume flights to Tel Aviv follows similar announcements by several European airlines. Lufthansa, along with its subsidiaries SWISS and Austrian Airlines, Air France, and the Polish airline LOT, have all recently declared their intentions to restart flights to Israel. This collective move by major international carriers signals a cautious but optimistic step towards normalizing air travel to the region amidst ongoing security concerns.

Meanwhile, other major U.S. airlines that historically offered flights to Israel, such as Delta and American Airlines, have yet to resume service. However, Delta has indicated that it might restart its flights to Israel in the spring, suggesting a gradual return of U.S. air carriers to the Israeli market.

The decision by United Airlines to resume flights is not only a logistical effort but also a symbol of resilience and confidence in the safety measures implemented. The detailed safety analysis and collaboration with various stakeholders underscore the importance of ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew. By restarting flights, United aims to restore a crucial travel link for both leisure and business travelers between the United States and Israel.

The phased approach to resumption, starting with limited connecting flights and gradually expanding to daily non-stop services, reflects a measured strategy to rebuild passenger confidence and adapt to the evolving security landscape. The addition of a second daily flight from Newark in May, followed by a potential resumption of routes from other major U.S. hubs, indicates a long-term commitment to re-establishing robust air connectivity with Israel.

The broader context of United’s announcement includes the recent operational decisions by European airlines. Lufthansa’s commitment, along with that of SWISS and Austrian Airlines, demonstrates a coordinated effort by European carriers to maintain air links with Israel despite the challenges. Similarly, Air France and LOT’s announcements align with a trend of cautiously re-entering the Israeli market.

The aviation industry’s response to the conflict in Gaza and its impact on air travel has been a complex interplay of safety considerations, logistical challenges, and strategic planning. United’s methodical approach, emphasizing safety and collaboration with key stakeholders, sets a precedent for other airlines considering a return to the region.

For travelers, United’s announcement brings a sense of hope and normalcy. The availability of direct flights from major U.S. cities to Tel Aviv facilitates travel plans and supports the flow of tourism, business, and cultural exchange. As the airline industry adapts to the new security environment, passengers can expect a heightened focus on safety measures and operational protocols designed to ensure their well-being.

In summary, United Airlines’ decision to resume flights to Israel in March represents a significant milestone in the recovery of air travel between the United States and Israel. Through a phased and safety-centric approach, United aims to rebuild confidence and restore vital air connections. The coordinated efforts of European airlines further support this positive trend. As Delta and potentially American Airlines consider resuming their services, the outlook for air travel to Israel appears cautiously optimistic. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about flight schedules and safety protocols, ensuring a smooth and secure journey in the coming months.