The million-mile question: will American Airlines make a grand return to Tel Aviv?
Several European carriers have already been taxied back onto the Israeli runway. British Airways is back from April 5 and EasyJet from June 1, but US airlines are still on standby. American Airlines, in particular, is missing in action. So what gives?
In This Post
Enter: Senator Cruz (with Strong Cabin Pressure)
Senator Ted Cruz has some, let’s say, pointed views about why US carriers like American haven’t resumed Tel Aviv flights. Speaking to journalist Bari Weiss, Cruz didn’t exactly pull the oxygen mask first:
“I think US airlines need to resume flights to Israel. El Al’s flying. Middle Eastern and European carriers are flying. This isn’t about safety. It’s politics,” he said.
When asked what kind of politics, he zeroed in on the flight attendants’ union:
“The flight attendants union has been vocally anti-Israel and even supported antisemitic protests on college campuses.”
Cruz, who’s soon chairing the Senate Commerce Committee (read: the body that oversees much of the US aviation sector), believes this grounding has more to do with union sentiment than passenger safety. He even dropped a prediction bold enough to earn platinum elite status:
“I’m going to predict within 30 days they’ll resume flights.”
Back Across the Pond
British Airways is already packing the cabin snacks. Flights from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv will take off again on April 5, 2025. EasyJet will join the party on June 1, 2025.
So, while Europe’s skies to Israel are gradually unclogging, the US side remains eerily quiet.
Final Approach
Will American Airlines follow suit? Cruz seems to think it’s imminent. However, airlines often move slower than Heathrow security on a Monday morning. Until then, travellers looking to hop across the Atlantic to Tel Aviv must get creative with their routings or hope El Al still has legroom left.
Keep the Miles Rolling
Looking for more airline drama, geopolitical turbulence, or route resumption gossip? You know where to taxi next.
3 comments
Its even worse you cant make any booking Rev or Miles on AA.com that includes even flying say AA to LHR to connect on Ba or to MAD to connect on IB
“Exciting news about American Airlines potentially resuming flights to Israel! Direct connections between the US and Israel are a huge convenience for travelers, whether for business, leisure, or spiritual journeys. This development could also boost tourism significantly, as Israel continues to be a top destination for cultural and historical exploration. I wonder what American’s onboard offerings for these flights might look like—hopefully, they match the long-haul standards we’ve come to expect. What are your thoughts on how this move could reshape the market for US-Israel travel?”
American Airlines resuming flights to Israel would be great news for travelers looking for more direct flight options between the US and Israel. This could boost tourism, ease travel for business professionals, and offer more flexibility for connecting flights.