Analysts warn that the partial closure of Ben Gurion airport on 2nd September may disrupt flight schedules. 

The closure of Ben Gurion Airport on Monday, due to nationwide strikes across Israel, may continue to impact flight schedules long after the strikers return to work, analysts warn. 

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main airport, was partially closed on Monday, as part of a wave of nationwide strikes across the country against the Israeli Government’s handling of the hostage crisis during the Israel-Hamas conflict. 

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Ben Gurion airport has been closed a few times, with the most recent closure occurring on the 25th of August. The airport was temporarily shut down amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah, with all incoming flights diverted or cancelled. 

The growing sense of uncertainty surrounding the geopolitical situation in Israel and the wider Middle East has resulted in many airlines cancelling their flights to Israel. The big three leading US airlines including Delta, United Airlines and American Airlines have all suspended their flights to Israel. 

American Airlines took the step to suspend all flights to Israel until the 29th of March 2025, while United Airlines indefinitely suspended flights from Newark International Airport to Tel Aviv. 

There are wider international implications beyond just direct flights in and out of Israel, as airlines across the globe reassess their routes and safety protocols in response to the conflict, which will likely have ripple effects across borders.