El Al Joins Flydubai, Etihad, Ethiopian, Hainan, Georgian and Others in Driving a Powerful Return of Flights to Israel as Tensions Subside and Airspace Reopens

Published on June 25, 2025

As tensions subside and Israel’s airspace reopens, El Al, Flydubai, Etihad, Ethiopian Airlines, Hainan, Georgian Airways, and other global carriers are leading the powerful return of international flights to Israel. This resurgence of air travel comes after a temporary suspension due to regional conflict, with airlines now resuming services as the region stabilizes. The Israeli government’s state guarantees for war-risk insurance have further encouraged this revival, providing airlines with the confidence to restore crucial air routes. This coordinated effort among major airlines signifies a promising recovery for Israel’s aviation sector and a return to normalcy for travelers heading to the region.

As Israel’s airspace reopens, global airlines are rapidly resuming services to the country, marking a powerful return of international travel after the recent period of disruption. Among the airlines leading the charge are Israel’s flagship carrier, El Al, along with Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Georgian Airways, and several others, as tensions subside and airspace restrictions are lifted.

El Al’s Swift Resumption and Full Recovery Plans

Israel’s national carrier, El Al, has been at the forefront of the return of flight services to Israel. Following the reopening of Israeli airspace, which had been closed due to regional conflict, El Al resumed its operations, signaling a recovery in the aviation sector. The airline is now focused on gradually returning to its full flight schedule in the coming days. However, it may take longer for demand to return to pre-conflict levels, as recovery is expected to be gradual, reflecting the shifting dynamics of global travel.

While the airline works to re-establish its international connectivity, it remains optimistic about a full recovery, especially as regional tensions ease and the demand for travel to Israel is expected to rise once again.

Flydubai and Etihad Airways Lead the Regional Resurgence

Flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, and Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, have also resumed their flights to Israel. The UAE carriers had temporarily suspended their operations during the height of the conflict but are now ramping up their flight schedules as Israel’s airspace reopens. These airlines, known for their high-quality service and strong regional presence, have been instrumental in driving the revival of air travel to Israel.

Flydubai has already applied to resume flights, planning to restart its operations in the coming days. Etihad Airways, likewise, has set plans in motion for the restart of its services to Israel, with flights expected to resume shortly. The swift action taken by both airlines demonstrates their commitment to supporting the recovery of Israel’s travel industry.

Ethiopian Airlines and Other Global Carriers Follow Suit

In addition to the Middle Eastern carriers, several other airlines have also begun returning to Israel. Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s largest and most reputable carriers, is among the airlines that have applied to resume flights. The airline’s decision to return to Israel comes as global air routes are gradually reopening, with operations expected to restart soon.

Other airlines such as Hainan Airlines are set to follow suit, with the Chinese carrier planning to resume flights from Shenzhen on June 29 and from Beijing on June 30. This marks an important step in reconnecting Israel with the broader global travel network.

Georgian Airways has also resumed scheduled flights from Tbilisi International Airport to Tel Aviv, offering much-needed connectivity between Israel and the Caucasus region.

Regional Stability Encourages Wider Airline Resumption

Oman Air, a carrier from the Arabian Peninsula, has resumed its flights to Israel after the reopening of Iraq and Syria’s airspace. This return signifies broader regional stabilization, as more countries and airlines move toward a normalization of flight operations.

As tensions continue to subside in the region, airlines are eager to tap into the growing demand for travel to Israel. The state guarantees, announced by the Israeli government, play a key role in encouraging airlines to return. These measures, which include war-risk insurance guarantees, offer peace of mind for carriers and their passengers as they resume operations.

Israeli Government’s Strategic Measures to Support Airlines

The Israeli government has been proactive in facilitating the return of international airlines to its airspace. The government has committed to providing up to $8 billion in state guarantees for war-risk insurance. These guarantees cover a broad range of airlines, both Israeli and foreign, ensuring that they can continue operating safely and efficiently in and out of Israel’s airports.

This combination of government support and the gradual return of peace has been instrumental in encouraging airlines to restart their operations. The merger of two major guarantee frameworks, one from October 2023 relating to the Gaza conflict and another from March 2022 regarding Israeli-Russian routes, strengthens the framework that allows airlines to resume flights with confidence.

El Al, Flydubai, Etihad, Ethiopian, Hainan, Georgian, and other airlines are driving the powerful return of flights to Israel as tensions subside and airspace reopens, aided by the Israeli government’s state-backed war-risk insurance guarantees and the region’s gradual stabilization. This collective resumption marks a significant recovery in Israel’s aviation sector.

The Future of Travel to Israel

While the road to complete recovery may take time, the reopening of airspace and the resumption of flights signal positive momentum for Israel’s travel and tourism sectors. The return of airlines such as Flydubai, Etihad, Ethiopian, Hainan, and others will provide a critical boost to the country’s economy and its position as a key travel destination in the Middle East.

As more airlines return to Israel, travelers will find it easier than ever to plan their trips to the region. Whether for business, leisure, or religious purposes, the powerful return of international flights to Israel marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s aviation history, providing both immediate relief and long-term stability to the travel industry.