Delta Air Lines Paused All Flights Between NYC and Tel Aviv

Delta Air Lines has announced that it has paused all flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv in response to the growing Middle Eastern crisis, which shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

In a press release, it was revealed that the airline, which originally made the announcement back in July, updated its statement on Thursday, Sept. 19, to disclose that flights will not fly between JFK and the Middle Eastern city until after Dec. 31. The notice is subject to additional updates, and affected customers are encouraged to check the status on Delta Air Lines’ proprietary app for more details.

“Delta is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports and will communicate any updates as needed,” the company said in the press release.

It is unclear if there have been any issues with this recent cancellation.

Travel waivers are available for customers who booked tickets to or from Tel Aviv through Dec. 31.

The Latest Delta Air Lines Drama

This mass flight cancellation is just the latest bit of drama that Delta Air Lines has faced.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Department of Transportation (DOT) claims that the airline is depreciating the rewards that passengers have accrued, and this is just one of the many airlines that are the subject of regulatory scrutiny about their loyalty programs.

According to Bloomberg, there is criticism directed toward the rewards programs offered by American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. The DOT has sought reports and extensive information on the airlines’ programs to comprehend how customers “are impacted by the devaluation of earned rewards, hidden or dynamic pricing, extra fees, and reduced competition and choice,” the statement reads.

“Many Americans view their rewards points balances as part of their savings,” Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the statement. “But unlike a traditional savings account, these rewards are controlled by a company that can unilaterally change their value.”

With American Express Co.’s credit card partnership, Delta Air Lines claimed $6.8 billion in revenue in 2023. It expects this sum to increase by 10% this year and reach $10 billion in the future. American Airlines disclosed that in 2023, it received $5.2 billion in cash from its co-branded credit card and other partners.