Lufthansa resumes Israel flights amid conflict, signaling recovery

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

In a significant development, Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, has resumed flights to Israel after an 87-day hiatus prompted by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This decision marks a crucial step towards normalcy amid challenging circumstances.

The resumption commenced with a flight from Munich to Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv. Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines, subsidiaries of the Lufthansa Group, also followed suit, reinstating their flights to Israel.

Lufthansa had initially halted flights on October 13, just six days after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The decision to resume operations was made in mid-December, with the airline diligently monitoring the security situation in Israel, maintaining close communication with local and international authorities.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) reported a gradual return of international airlines to Israel, emphasizing the resilience of the aviation sector despite the prevailing conflict. Romania’s Tarom and Greece’s Aegean Airlines have also resumed flights, contributing to the positive trend.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Ben Gurion Airport experienced a notable increase in passenger traffic. In 2023, there was a 9.3 percent year-on-year surge, totaling 21.09 million passengers. However, this figure falls short of the annual forecast of 25 million passengers.

December witnessed a remarkable 57.1 percent increase in passenger numbers, totaling approximately 600,000, compared to around 382,000 in November. This data suggests a gradual recovery in air travel, underscoring the resilience of the aviation industry amid adversity.

In conclusion, Lufthansa’s decision to resume flights to Israel amid the ongoing conflict is a positive sign for the aviation sector. The increasing passenger numbers at Ben Gurion Airport reflect a cautious but evident return to normalcy.

« Back to Page