Delta Introduces Direct Flights from Athens to JFK for U.S. Repatriation from Tel Aviv

Delta Introduces Direct Flights from Athens to JFK for U.S. Repatriation from Tel Aviv

In response to the U.S. Department of State's repatriation efforts for U.S. citizens in Tel Aviv, Delta Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This initiative aims to support U.S. citizens and their immediate family members seeking to return to the U.S. from Tel Aviv.

The U.S. Department of State has arranged charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members wishing to depart from Israel. These charter flights will transport passengers from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to various European destinations, from where they can then board commercial flights back to the U.S., including those operated by Delta.

The following direct flights from ATH to JFK have been scheduled by Delta in support of these repatriation efforts:

• Monday, Oct. 16, 2024: Flight #9901 at 16:45 (ATH local time) using an A330-900 aircraft.
• Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2024: Flight #9901 at 16:45 (ATH local time) using an A330-900 aircraft.
• Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2024: Flight #9901 at 16:45 (ATH local time) using an A330-900 aircraft.

Delta has also extended a travel waiver for all customers with bookings to/from Tel Aviv and is informing customers about refund options and cancellations. Customers with existing Delta itineraries that include TLV travel are advised to contact Delta Reservations to change their reservation and book a seat on one of the new direct flight options out of Athens.

Delta is urging travelers not making their way back to the U.S. from TLV to refrain from booking these flights to ensure seats are available for those in need. The airline will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Department of State and monitor bookings on these flights to determine if additional seats are required.

Delta is continuously assessing the security environment in the TLV market based on security guidance and intelligence reports, including the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisory. While bookings for TLV flights to/from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) are currently suspended, reservations for flights between JFK and TLV for travel starting Nov. 1 are available. Seats on Delta partner airlines can also be booked via Delta.com and through Delta Reservations when available.

In addition to these efforts, Delta has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support humanitarian efforts for Israelis, Palestinians, and all affected individuals in the region. The American Red Cross, a long-standing partner of Delta, is working closely with Magen David Adom (MDA) and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to provide emergency assistance in the region.

Note: The term "U.S. citizens" in this context includes U.S. permanent residents and family members as defined by the U.S. Department of State.