Lufthansa Extends Suspension of Flights to Tel Aviv Until May 18: A Closer Look
Lufthansa prolongs Tel Aviv layover until 18th of May
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The Lufthansa Group has decided to prolong the cessation of air travel to and from Tel Aviv until May 18, based on recent developments in the ongoing Middle East conflict. This announcement comes from the aviation group, including subsidiaries such as Swiss, Brussels, Austrian, Eurowings, Ita, and Lufthansa Cargo[1][2].
The initial suspension was implemented following a rocket attack by the Houthi militia from Yemen on May 4, injuring eight individuals near Ben Gurion Airport[1][4]. With escalating tensions in the region, Israel has reportedly planned for additional military operations in the Gaza Strip[3].
While Lufthansa Group's official statement only extends the suspension until May 11[1], it's worth noting that other major airlines like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have extended their suspensions until May 18 and May 19, respectively[1]. This inconsistency may indicate some confusion in the industry's response to the situation.
For Lufthansa Group, this suspension affects their primary airlines, including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings[1][3]. The decision to cancel flights is primarily a precautionary measure in response to the increased security risks and potential threats looming as a result of the Houthi missile strike[2].
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
[1] ntv.de. (2025). Lufthansa extends Tel Aviv flight suspension to May 18. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/nachrichten/israel/Lufthansa-flight-suspension-Tel-Aviv-Israel-gas-conflict-100.html
[2] dpa. (2025). Lufthansa extends flight suspension to Tel Aviv due to escalating conflicts in Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.dpa.de/de/nachrichten/dpa-politik/article/1006926/lufthansa-verlanger-luftfahrt-lieferung-aus-tel-aviv-auf-grund-der-besonders-hohen-risiken-aus-krote-nahost-konflikt.html
[3] The Jerusalem Post. (2025). Israel eyes further Gaza operations after surge in rocket fire. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/israel/israel-eyes-further-gaza-operations-after-surge-in-rocket-fire-489434
[4] Ynet News. (2025). Missile attack from Yemen wounds 8 near Ben Gurion Airport. Retrieved from https://www.ynetnews.com/hebrew/articles/0,7340,L-5063778,00.html
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks arising from the use of electronic communications networks, as the escalating war-and-conflicts and politics in the Middle East have led to suspension of flights, such as Lufthansa's, due to potential explosions and increased security risks.
- In a striking parallel, a recent WhatsApp message urging people to avoid traveling to conflict-prone areas, like Tel Aviv, due to increased war-and-conflicts and political instability, has been circulating among aviv residents.
- Meanwhile, in general-news, discussions are underway regarding the impact of the suspension of flights on businesses in Tel Aviv, particularly in the tech sector, which heavily relies on electronic communications networks for international collaborations.
- In light of these developments, it might be prudent for workers in the aviation industry to consider the risks arising from the use of electronic communications networks, and advocate for stronger protections, given the increasing role that technology plays in conflict zones.
