US Airport Delays Could Affect Your Flight to Israel

March 14, 2026

Planning a trip to Israel through the US? You might want to factor in some extra time at American airports. The ongoing US aviation crisis has taken a new turn – TSA security workers didn’t receive their paychecks due to Congress failing to pass the federal budget.

Airlines for America is sharply criticizing Congress over the budget impasse, which has left airport security staff working without pay. The result? Long lines stretching outside terminals at many major US airports, which could affect your connecting flights to Ben Gurion Airport.

If you’re flying to Israel via New York, Los Angeles, or other major US hubs, here’s what we recommend: arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early for international connections, check your airline’s app for real-time updates, and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections. Many travelers find it helpful to book the first flight of the day to minimize delay ripple effects.

The good news? Once you reach Israel, Ben Gurion Airport is running smoothly with normal processing times. We’ll keep monitoring this situation and update you with any changes that might affect your Israel travel plans.