Air France has delayed its planned resumption of flights to Israel once again, saying on Sunday that it will not restart service before July 30. The French carrier had already postponed its comeback several times and is keeping a cautious approach even as many foreign airlines have already announced returns to Israel and some have expanded flights to Ben Gurion Airport.
Industry sources had expected that improved operating conditions at Ben Gurion, together with lower uncertainty, would speed up the return of more international airlines to the Israeli market. But Air France is still holding back, after a prolonged period of reduced operations or suspended flights by many foreign carriers.
The latest delay means the airline, one of the major operators on the Israel, France and broader Europe route, will remain absent from the Tel Aviv market for longer. For passengers, that means fewer direct summer flights to France, along with continued pressure on fares and seat availability on popular routes.
The aviation sector is hoping that further easing at Ben Gurion and the return of additional foreign airlines will eventually allow Air France to resume normal service in Israel, or at least meet its newly announced deadline.
