Stranded in the Sun: What Travelers Need to Know About El Al's Big Flight Cancellations

As conflict escalates between Israel and Iran, El Al Airlines has suspended flights to several major cities until June 23, 2025, leaving thousands of travelers in limbo and upending the region’s tourism industry. Here’s how this developing situation may affect your travel plans and what the road ahead could look like.

El Al's Sudden Flight Pause: What Happened?

On June 15, 2025, El Al Airlines—Israel’s flagship carrier—announced it would halt flights to key European cities, Tokyo, and Moscow through June 23. This move comes on the heels of increased conflict between Israel and Iran, as Israeli airspace shuts down in efforts to keep passengers safe. If your travel plans touch Israel, here’s why you might want to stay updated.

Caught Mid-Trip: The Traveler Experience

Unexpected Layovers: About 40,000 tourists now find themselves unexpectedly “stuck” in Israel, scrambling to book alternative (and pricier) routes through neighboring hubs like Jordan.
Itinerary Shakeups: Trips to and from Israel are facing major disruptions, and travelers may have to absorb added costs or stressful rebookings.
Staying Safe: With heightened tensions and ongoing missile exchanges, safety has become not just a buzzword, but a real concern for tourists and business travelers alike.

Silver Linings for Savvy Travelers

Alternative Airlines in the Spotlight: Flights routed through airports like Istanbul and Athens are seeing a jump in demand—even if it means a little more competition (and higher ticket prices) for those seats.

Tourism & Business: Feeling the Pinch

With fewer feet on the ground, Israel’s hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are experiencing empty rooms and tables. The tourism downturn is putting real pressure on local businesses—and could mean layoffs and harder times if the situation drags on.

Online hotel booking sites are reporting more cancellations and fewer new reservations, especially in Israel and neighboring areas. Expect special offers, flexible bookings, or even gentle nudges to explore other destinations.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Uncertain Timeline: If the conflict isn’t resolved quickly, more cancellations could roll out past June 23, meaning longer disruptions for both leisure and business travelers.
Changing Where We Roam: As safety takes center stage, travelers may start looking elsewhere for their next adventure, impacting travel trends across the region.
Tourism Recovery: The industry could face lasting challenges, from declining foreign investment to a slower return of visitors—even after things calm down.

Bottom line: if you’re planning a trip to Israel or have loved ones in the region, stay flexible, check travel advisories, and be prepared for unexpected twists.