Air service to Israel has been a challenge since the October 7, 2023, attacks with numerous suspensions and resumptions since that day. With retaliation expected after Israel’s latest attack against Iran, both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are once again suspending service to Israel. In fact, both Delta and United flights bound for Tel Aviv made U-turns over the Atlantic last night after Israel’s bombing campaign began.

Israel’s Attack On Iran Prompts Delta And United To Suspend Service (Again)

Israel’s attack against Iran triggered many thoughts last night, but the first was that Delta and United would have to suspend service…again. After a Houhi rocket attack near Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv (TLV), both Delta and United suspended service in early May 2025. Delta resumed service on May 20, 2025 while United resumed service only last week on June 5, 2025.

Although there have been rumblings of war all week and the US has pulled personnel from Iran’s neighbor Iraq and from across the region, both Delta and United flights took off.

But Israel’s attack in the early morning hours across Iran targeted Iran’s fledgling nuclear program and took out multiple senior officers, including Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s missile program, by targeting an underground command center. The US quickly distanced itself from the attacks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming the US had no involvement, but Iran has vowed retaliation against Israel.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will give a severe, wise and strong answer to the occupier regime”

Iran has also suspended internet across the country. In Washington, President Trump has warned there is more to come:

“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”

With tensions high, retaliation poised, both Deta and United flights bound for TLV made a U-turn over the Atlantic. DL234 operated an 8-hour flight to nowhere, making a U-turn just past Newfoundland before arriving back at New York (JFK) at 1:44 am. UA84 operated a 10-hour flight to nowhere, making a U-turn halfway over the Atlantic before arriving at Newark Airport (EWR) at 2:38 am this morning.

Both carriers have suspended service again and it must be so frustrating considering the advance work that goes into catering, ground support, and other logistical matters ahead of every relaunch.

CONCLUSION

Both Delta and United flights bound for Tel Aviv made U-turns over the Atlantic last night after Israel launched its latest attack against Iranian nuclear facilities and key personnel in the Islamic Republic. Expect service to remain suspended indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Israeli flag carrier EL AL will continue service without interruption, though it faces an interesting lawsuit over price gouging we’ll look at tomorrow.