European Airlines Plan Cautious Return to Israel Following EASA Guidance Shift

Overview

• EU aviation regulator EASA kept its Middle East advisory through May 27 but replaced a broad avoidance message with guidance for heightened caution.
• Wizz Air plans to restart Israel service on May 28 with a phased schedule that remains subject to ongoing safety reviews.
• Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines target early June for their return to Tel Aviv, with the Lufthansa Group outlining a gradual ramp-up that stretches into October.
• The revised guidance is nonbinding, which lets airlines weigh security procedures, flight routing, and insurance terms before each operation.
• More flights would reopen travel options for residents and visitors and could support Israel’s economy, though plans may shift if the risk picture worsens.