U.S. airlines haven’t returned to Israel, and Miami’s El Al flights may benefit

El Al’s non-stop flights between Miami and Israel may get a boost in demand after one of the world’s largest airlines delayed plans to return to the country.

Read more ‘Heartbreaking’: Tom Brady seen solo on yacht in Miami. Me time or sad emoji?

Due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, American Airlines over the weekend said it was “extending its suspension” of flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and Tel Aviv through March 28, 2027.

“We will proactively reach out to impacted customers,” the carrier said in a statement. Travelers meeting certain conditions will have fees waived for making changes, the airline said on its website.

American Airlines stopped flying to Israel after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas.

The airline, a major South Florida employer, doesn’t operate flights between Miami and Tel Aviv. But the region boasts many people who regularly travel to Israel for tourism, business or family. Some of them prefer to go via New York where many have extensive ties, including previously living there.

Business ties between South Florida, the state and Israel are growing. Florida has offices for 429 companies founded in Israel, resulting in 26,510 direct and indirect jobs, according to a 2025 report by the United States-Israel Business Alliance. Over 21,000 of those are in Miami-Dade County.

Read more Miami faces possible flooding and feels-like 105 degrees. Check details

Israel Tech Week held its second annual meeting in Miami in April. Over 2,000 people attended, according to the tech site Refresh Miami.

Then, there’s Miss Israel 2026 Danielle Yablonka, a Miami native who has moved to Israel, according to the pageant’s website.

Going from Miami on El Al may now be a more attractive option.

The Israeli airline has seven direct flights a week between Miami International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport during the summer. That includes two flights on Sundays, one departing MIA at 1:55 a.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m.

The summer schedule lasts until mid-October. The airline will then offer six weekly flights between MIA and Tel Aviv during the winter.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines haven’t resumed flights between the U.S. and Israel either, and said they won’t do so until at least early September.

Read more How to plan a stress-free college dorm move-in (2026 checklist)