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British Airways Resumes Tel Aviv-London Flights After Six-Month Suspension

Airline rejoins Israel skies with plans to double weekly service as route demand surges.

April 07, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

After a six-month suspension triggered by the war in Gaza, British Airways has officially resumed its Tel Aviv–London Heathrow route, marking a major milestone in restoring international connectivity for Israel.

The first renewed flight touched down at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, delivering a wave of relief for British travelers and Israeli passengers alike. The airline will initially operate seven flights per week, with plans to double that frequency to 14 weekly flights starting April 20.

The war’s outbreak saw many foreign airlines suspend operations to Israel, leading to limited flight options and soaring ticket prices. In response, Israeli national carrier El Al increased its London service, while Israir expanded its market footprint. Smaller competitor Arkia briefly launched a Manchester route but withdrew due to profitability concerns.

In recent months, the skies have begun to reopen. Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air resumed its Tel Aviv–London service in January, and EasyJet is set to rejoin the route in June. Once fully restored, travelers will enjoy between 20 to 32 weekly flights to the UK from foreign carriers alone.

Despite the rising availability, affordable tickets remain scarce. April economy fares on El Al start at $702, Israir at $679, and British Airways at $650. Wizz Air offers the most budget-friendly option at $288 roundtrip. Business-class fares hover around $2,000 on both British Airways and El Al.

One notable absence remains: Virgin Atlantic. The airline, led by Israeli CEO Shai Weiss, has postponed its return until at least October 2025, citing ongoing engine issues with its Boeing 787-9 fleet. Virgin had previously operated 14 weekly flights on the Tel Aviv–London route and is expected to announce by summer whether it will resume service for the 2025-2026 winter season.

The return of British Airways one of Europe’s flagship carriers signals a positive step toward full normalization of Israel’s aviation sector, strengthening travel, trade, and tourism ties between Israel and the UK.

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