In a striking prediction that could signal a major shift in U.S.-Israel air travel, Senator Ted Cruz forecasts American airlines will resume flights to Israel within 30 days, pointing to union politics rather than security concerns as the real barrier to resumption.
Speaking in a live interview with The Free Press's Bari Weiss, Cruz highlighted the apparent disparity in current flight operations. "We have El Al flying. We have Middle Eastern carriers flying. We have European airlines flying," said Cruz, suggesting that American carriers' continued suspension might stem from internal political pressures rather than the safety concerns they've publicly cited.
The incoming chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees 40% of the American economy including aviation, specifically called out the flight attendants' union's stance. "Look at the flight attendants' union that has been anti-Israel and vocal, actually supporting antisemitic demonstrations on college campuses," Cruz stated, drawing a direct line between union politics and flight suspensions.
When pressed about potential solutions, Cruz, wielding his upcoming committee chairmanship as leverage, suggested significant action could be taken. "A lot can be done," he said, hinting at possible legislative or regulatory intervention while expressing confidence in an imminent resolution.
The prediction comes as major U.S. carriers have maintained their suspension of flights to Israel since October, even as international carriers have gradually resumed service.
The suspension of U.S. flights has created real hardship for both travelers and businesses. Right now, people are scrambling to book limited seats on El Al or piecing together connections through Europe and the Gulf states. Bringing back United, Delta, and American Airlines wouldn't just add more flights - it would restore those crucial direct routes that the Israeli business community relies on. The longer this continues, the more it impacts the Israeli economy and international connections.
If Cruz's forecast proves accurate, it could mark a significant shift in U.S.-Israel air connectivity and potentially influence broader Middle East travel patterns.
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