Lufthansa Group, Europe's largest airline, has announced the gradual resumption of its air services to Tel Aviv starting June 23. This decision ends a suspension of several weeks that began in early May amid a worsening security situation linked to the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.
In a brief press release, the group specified that this takeover would take place "after a thorough analysis of the security situation in coordination with the competent authorities"It will affect flights operated by the group's airlines: Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, ITA Airways (in which Lufthansa has a stake) and Lufthansa Cargo.
Gradual resumption and reinforced security measures
Lufthansa has indicated, however, that the resumption of flights will be gradual. "for operational reasons", without specifying the frequency or exact schedules of the connections for the moment. The group emphasizes that it maintains constant monitoring of the situation on the ground and remains ready to adapt its program according to the evolution of risks.
Other major international airlines, such as Air France-KLM, British Airways, and American Airlines, have also suspended or modified their flights to Israel several times since the escalation of the conflict. Some, such as Emirates and Turkish Airlines, are currently operating limited flights due to security concerns.
A context of prolonged war and humanitarian crisis
Lufthansa's decision comes amid continued tensions in the Middle East. On October 7, 2023, an unprecedented attack by Hamas against southern Israel left 1.218 dead, mostly civilians. In response, the Jewish state launched a massive military operation in the Gaza Strip, which has so far killed more than 54.600 Palestinians. These figures, regularly cited by UN agencies, are considered credible.
The conflict, now entering its ninth month, is sparking growing outrage within the international community. Several UN Security Council resolutions have called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. At the end of May, Israel partially lifted the total blockade imposed on Gaza since March, allowing a limited resumption of the delivery of food, water, and medicine via the Kerem Shalom crossing and the port of Ashdod.
The economic challenges of resuming flights
The reopening of flights to Tel Aviv is an important signal for the Israeli business community and expatriates. Tel Aviv, a business and technology hub, has seen its air traffic drop drastically since October 2023. According to the Israel Airports Authority, passenger volume at Ben Gurion Airport has declined by more than 60% in one year.
Lufthansa's resumption of flights could therefore mark the beginning of a gradual return to a certain logistical normality, even if security uncertainties remain high. Many observers believe that airlines will continue to exercise extreme caution in planning their services to Israel until stability is assured.
