The airline made this decision amid ongoing tensions and security concerns in Israel and the Gaza Strip. In addition to KLM, Delta and Lufthansa have also canceled their flights to Tel Aviv, while British Airways will continue with its flights to Israel. KLM had just resumed flights to Tel Aviv last month, after previously suspending them following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 and the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip.

A KLM spokesperson said: “Customers with a flight ticket to/from Tel Aviv and a travel date between July 1 and August 31 will be rebooked or get their money back.” However, this decision by KLM does not mean that you cannot fly to Israel at all. Air France still offers flights to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and Brussels Airlines will fly between Brussels and Tel Aviv five times a week these summer months.

Airlines base their decisions about flying to and over conflict zones on the guidelines of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Although the EASA currently allows flights to Israel, some airlines, such as Brussels Airlines, have chosen to temporarily suspend their flights to Tel Aviv on their own initiative. The EASA has not yet issued a formal ban on flights to Israel.

Since the escalation of the conflict on October 7, 2023, when massive rocket fire and infiltrations by armed commandos from Gaza took place, the security situation in the region has become serious and unstable. As a result, travel to the region, including Israel, Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, is strongly discouraged.

These recent developments have a significant impact on the aviation sector and travelers. The uncertain situation in the Middle East has led airlines to continuously review their safety protocols and flight schedules to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew. Travelers are advised to keep close contact with their airlines for the most up-to-date information and any changes to their itinerary.