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Greek carrier Sky Express has cancelled all flights between Athens and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on March 1 and 2 following the closure of Israeli airspace, introducing a flexible policy that allows affected passengers to rebook, receive travel credit or claim a full refund.
Flights Suspended Between Athens and Ben Gurion Through March 2
Sky Express confirmed that all scheduled services from Athens International Airport to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, and return, for the period Sunday, March 1 to Monday, March 2, are cancelled. The decision follows the temporary closure of Israel’s airspace amid heightened regional tensions, which has forced multiple airlines serving the country to suspend operations.
The airline said the measure applies specifically to flights operating on the Athens–Tel Aviv route over the two-day period, with normal operations subject to the reopening of Israeli airspace and further safety assessments. Services on other Sky Express routes remain unaffected.
Passengers booked on the cancelled flights have been notified directly by the airline via email and text message, and are being urged not to travel to the airport unless they have confirmed alternative arrangements. Sky Express emphasised that safety remains the paramount factor in its operational decisions.
Free Date Changes Available Until the End of 2026
To support disrupted travellers, Sky Express is offering the option to change tickets on the Athens–Ben Gurion route free of charge. Passengers can move their journey to a future date on the same route, with new departure dates available through December 31, 2026, without paying a rebooking fee or fare difference according to the airline’s current advisory.
These changes can be processed through the carrier’s online booking management tools or via customer service channels. Travel agents holding group or individual bookings can also initiate changes on behalf of their clients, subject to the same flexible rules.
The unusually long rebooking window effectively gives passengers nearly two years to reschedule travel once flight operations between Greece and Israel stabilise. For travellers planning future trips to Israel for business, family visits or religious tourism, the extended validity provides significant planning flexibility at a time of uncertainty.
Credit Vouchers and Full Refunds for Those Who Cancel
In addition to free date changes, Sky Express is allowing passengers who no longer wish to travel to cancel their tickets and receive a credit voucher equal to the full value of their booking. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be used toward any Sky Express itinerary, subject to seat availability.
For customers who prefer not to hold credit, the airline has also confirmed that full refunds are available. Refund requests are being handled via dedicated customer support channels, including a specific email contact for flight change and cancellation queries, and may take several days to be processed due to high demand.
Travel industry observers note that the combination of free changes, vouchers and cash refunds broadly aligns with flexible approaches adopted by European carriers during previous periods of regional instability. For travellers, this means they are not forced into a single remedy but can choose the option that best fits their plans and cash flow needs.
Part of a Wider Wave of Cancellations in the Region
The Sky Express move comes as airlines across Europe and the Middle East adjust or suspend services to Israel and neighbouring countries amid the latest escalation. Greek flag carrier Aegean Airlines has also cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv, as well as several other Middle Eastern destinations, through the first days of March while it monitors the situation with aviation authorities.
Athens International Airport has reported a wave of cancellations and diversions affecting routes to Israel and nearby airports. Aviation analysts say the temporary closure of Israeli airspace has created knock-on effects across regional networks, with carriers reshuffling aircraft and crews and travellers scrambling to find alternative routes.
For passengers hoping to reach Israel, some regional operators and tour companies are exploring indirect options via neighbouring countries and land borders. However, travel conditions remain fluid, and airlines are advising customers to check the latest advisories before beginning their journeys.
What Affected Travellers Should Do Next
Passengers booked on Sky Express flights between Athens and Tel Aviv on March 1 and 2 are advised to review their options promptly. Those who still intend to travel once flights resume may find it advantageous to secure a new date under the free change policy, particularly for peak holiday or pilgrimage periods when demand is high.
Travellers who no longer need to make the trip, or who prefer to wait for greater clarity on the security situation, may opt for a credit voucher to keep future travel possibilities open, or request a full refund if they prefer immediate reimbursement. In all cases, passengers should retain booking confirmations and any written communications from the airline to facilitate processing.
With the situation in the region evolving rapidly, airlines and airports are expected to issue further updates over the coming days. For now, Sky Express customers holding Athens–Ben Gurion tickets for March 1 and 2 have a suite of flexible options designed to reduce the disruption of a sudden flight cancellation and preserve their ability to travel once conditions allow.