✈️ Background: Suspension & Safety Concerns
- After the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and ensuing hostilities, most U.S. airlines—including United—suspended direct flights to Tel Aviv out of safety concerns .
- United briefly resumed flights in March 2024, but halted operations again in late July 2024 amid escalating regional tensions .
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Resumption Timeline
- Feb 4, 2025: United publicly announced its plan to resume EWR–TLV service on March 15, starting with one daily flight, expanding to two daily flights from March 29
- March 15, 2025: Flights recommenced using Boeing 787‑10 Dreamliners
- May 4, 2025: A Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport triggered a temporary suspension of flights, including United’s, lasting a few days
- June 5–6, 2025: United resumed daily Newark–Tel Aviv flights on June 5, and launched a second daily roundtrip on June 6
📅 Current Status (as of June 29, 2025)
- United Airlines is currently operating TWO daily nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV).
- Flights UA 84/85 begin June 5.
- Flights UA 90/91 added June 6, both using Boeing 787‑10 aircraft
- United publicly stated the resumption was based on a “detailed assessment of operational considerations” and collaboration with unions representing its crews
- Among U.S. carriers, Delta resumed flights on May 20 and American plans a return in September .
Why It Matters
- Competition & pricing: With United and Delta back on the route, travelers now have alternatives to El Al and Arkia, increasing options and possibly reducing fares
- Indicator of regional stability: U.S. carriers wouldn’t resume flights if they felt the situation unsafe—United’s move signals measured confidence.
- Economic & cultural impact: These flights help support tourism, business, family reunions, and academic ties between the U.S. and Israel.
👀 What Travelers Should Know
- Routes: Current nonstop service is only from Newark–Tel Aviv.
- Aircraft: United uses Boeing 787‑10 planes with 44 business, 21 premium‑economy, and 253 economy seats
- Cancellations possible: Flights may be disrupted again by security developments—stay alert and consider flexible booking options.
- U.S. carriers on watch: United is now the first U.S. airline back in operation, followed by Delta and later American .
Final Take
✅ Yes—as of late June 2025, United Airlines is flying twice daily between Newark and Tel Aviv. The route was briefly interrupted in May due to a missile strike, but flights resumed on June 5–6 and have been operating steadily since.
Keep in Mind:
- The situation in the Middle East remains fluid; airlines may adjust flight schedules at short notice.
- Always verify current flight status directly with the airline before booking or traveling.
Curious about fares, flight details, or how U.S. carriers are adjusting routes? Just let me know!
