Instability in the Middle East has been an ongoing presence, yet it reached new heights on October 7, 2023. This is when Hamas terrorists carried out a vicious invasion of Israel without any provocation whatsoever.

This onslaught involved the murder and kidnappings of many Israeli citizens, which shocked most nations around the world. While the IDF and other similar law enforcement agencies have managed to rescue some of the hostages, many still remain in Gaza.

Hamas faces consistent calls to release all captives, yet refuses to do so. Meanwhile, the Israeli government maintains that it will not stop fighting until every single Israeli is freed and back home.

In the aftermath of last year's invasion, multiple US airlines cancelled flight service to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This happened to protect not just travelers, but also airline personnel and others who could potentially find themselves at risk.

Americans who wanted to travel to Israel in the months after October 7 often had to deal with their flights being cancelled or transferred to other airlines. Now, air carriers Delta and United have confirmed they're once again suspending flight service to Tel Aviv.

What brought about these decisions?

The Middle East has been once again thrust into new levels of unrest, following the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Haniyeh's demise came about in Tehran, Iran where he was hit by a mid-air projectile while residing in accommodations for Iranian war vets.

Iran and its allies blame Israel for the attack and are now voting retribution. How and when any acts of revenge will take place remains up in the air. Nevertheless, airlines like United and Delta don't want to risk soaring into the crosshairs of it.

As such, United announced that any planned flights to Israel are cancelled until further notice. Delta, on the other hand, confirmed flight service to the Middle Eastern country will stop through August 2nd. However, US travelers still have the option of booking flights to Tel Aviv via Delta's partner airlines.

El Al, an Israeli air carrier, released a statement as well, noting that its normal flight schedule remains active.