Honestly, booking flights to Tel Aviv right now feels a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while the colors keep changing. One minute you're looking at a standard six-hour hop from Europe, and the next, your airline is "adjusting" its schedule for the third time this week.
It's complicated.
But here is the thing: Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is very much open. While the headlines might make it sound like the place is a ghost town, the reality on the ground—or rather, on the tarmac—is a mix of high-frequency El Al Dreamliners and a rotating door of international carriers trying to find their rhythm in a volatile region. If you are planning a trip in early 2026, you've got to stop thinking about travel the way you did in 2022. The rules have shifted.
The Reality of Tel Aviv Flights in 2026
If you’re looking for a flight today, you’ll notice something weird. A lot of the major European players, specifically the Lufthansa Group (which includes Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines), have basically nixed their overnight stays.
They’re playing it safe.
As of mid-January 2026, Lufthansa and its subsidiaries have pushed back their nighttime rotations until at least January 31. This is a big deal for travelers who used to rely on those late-night arrivals to save a day of vacation. Now, most of these flights have been retimed to daytime slots. Why? Because the airlines don’t want their crews sleeping in Tel Aviv. They want to fly in, drop you off, pick up the next group, and get out before the sun goes down.
Who is actually flying?
It’s a bit of a mixed bag. El Al is the obvious heavyweight here. They’re running a massive operation from JFK, Newark, London, and Paris. They don't stop. Because they have their own onboard missile defense systems (the "Magen Rakia" or Sky Shield), they tend to keep flying when everyone else pulls the plug.
Then you have the American carriers. United Airlines is currently operating out of Newark, though they’ve had some rocky moments recently. Just a few days ago, Flight 84 from Newark to TLV had a minor drama where it started taxiing, turned back because of airspace rumors, and then actually took off two hours later once the coast was clear. It’s that kind of environment. Delta is back on the JFK route, but they’ve been known to toggle their frequency based on the weekly security assessment.
- El Al: Most reliable, direct from NYC, LA, London, Paris.
- United: Daily from Newark; Chicago and DC routes are more "on and off."
- Wizz Air: Back in a big way from Europe (Athens, Budapest, Warsaw).
- British Airways: Daily from Heathrow, but subject to change.
- Air France: Usually two daily flights from CDG.
Why the "Cheap Flight" Logic is Dead
You used to be able to score a $400 round-trip from the States if you played your cards right. In early 2026? Good luck.
Prices are hovering in a strange place. You can find deals—Skyscanner is showing some indirect routes via Iberia or Wizz Air Malta for around $450 in March—but for the most part, you’re looking at $800 to $1,100 for a standard economy seat from the US.
Here is the kicker: the "cheap" flights often come with the highest risk of cancellation. If you book a budget carrier like Ryanair (which is still phasing its return for Spring 2026) or a low-cost European connector, you might find yourself stranded if the security situation blips.
The pros are currently paying the "peace of mind" tax. On Reddit's /r/TravelIsrael, users are reporting that they’d rather pay an extra $200 to book directly with El Al or a major carrier than risk a third-party booking that becomes a nightmare to refund when a flight gets canceled. Honestly, if you can afford it, book direct. Dealing with a Turkish Airlines or Delta rep is a billion times easier than fighting a chatbot on a discount travel site when the airspace closes.
The Overnight Flight Myth
Most people think that taking an overnight flight to Tel Aviv is the "smart" way to beat jet lag. In the current climate, it’s actually the opposite.
Because of the recent adjustments by the Lufthansa Group and others, the evening flights are the first to get chopped. For example, Austrian Airlines just extended their suspension of evening flights from Vienna until the end of January. If you book the 8:00 PM flight, you’re much more likely to get a "we've moved you" email than if you book the 10:00 AM flight.
Daytime is the new prime time for Ben Gurion.
What to Expect at Ben Gurion (TLV)
Once you actually land, things feel surprisingly normal, albeit with a bit more intensity. Security is, as always, tight. But if you’re arriving on an international flight, the main thing you’ll notice is the "empty-then-crowded" pulse of the terminal.
Because so many airlines have shifted to daytime schedules, there are windows where the arrivals hall is packed, and windows where it’s a ghost town.
Pro-Tips for the Airport:
- Check the Home Front Command App: Seriously, download "Red Alert" or the official "Oref" app before you land. It's what the locals use.
- Train vs. Taxi: The train from Ben Gurion to Tel Aviv Savidor Merkaz is still the GOAT. It’s fast, cheap, and avoids the legendary Ayalon highway traffic. Just check the schedule, as late-night service can be spotty.
- The "Shortened" Routes: Many flights from Europe are now skirting Iraqi and Iranian airspace entirely. This adds about 30-45 minutes to your flight time. Plan your connections accordingly. If you have a 60-minute layover in Athens or Munich, you are living dangerously.
Is it Safe to Fly to Tel Aviv Right Now?
This is the big question, right?
Government travel advisories from the US, UK, and Canada are all currently singing the same tune: "Reconsider Travel" or "Avoid Non-Essential Travel." They point to the "unpredictable security situation."
But travel is personal.
Thousands of people are flying into TLV every single day. The airport has some of the most sophisticated defense systems on the planet. Most of the risk isn't about the plane being in the air; it's about the logistical headache of your flight being canceled or being stuck in the country if the airspace closes for a few days.
If you are a business traveler or visiting family, you probably already know the drill. If you’re a tourist, you need to be okay with a high degree of "fluidity" in your plans.
Practical Steps for Booking Your Trip
If you’re serious about getting to Tel Aviv, don't just click "buy" on the first cheap fare you see on a comparison site.
- Book Direct: I cannot stress this enough. If the flight is canceled, the airline handles you. If you book through a third-party "deals" site, you are at the bottom of the priority list for rebooking.
- Check the "Last 7 Days" on FlightRadar24: Before buying a ticket, look up the flight number (like LY1 or UA84). See how many times it was actually on time or canceled in the last week. It gives you a much better reality check than the airline's marketing.
- Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable: Make sure your policy specifically covers "cancel for any reason" or has clear language about regional instability. Most standard policies have "act of war" exclusions that can bite you.
- Aim for March 2026: If your dates are flexible, March is currently showing the lowest prices and the highest projected number of returning routes from carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair.
The situation is changing by the hour, but the bridge to Israel remains open. Just make sure you're flying with your eyes wide open and a backup plan in your pocket.
Next Steps: Check the current flight status for your specific date on the official Israel Airports Authority (IAA) website to see which carriers are actually landing today before you commit to a ticket.