The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin for Israel and Gulf countries until May 27, but with a significant easing of its recommendation. The security situation is now classified as 'increased tensions' rather than 'intense military conflict', giving each European airline the freedom to decide independently whether to resume flights from May 28 onward. This marks a pivotal step toward normalizing air travel to Tel Aviv, though EASA maintains strict restrictions for Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq. **Wizz Air** has announced its return on May 28, and is reviving plans to establish a permanent base at Ben Gurion Airport. Stationing at least ten aircraft in Tel Aviv would allow the Hungarian low-cost carrier to offer more frequencies and new destinations, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. This move is expected to intensify competition in the Israeli market, currently dominated by El Al, and drive down ticket prices. For ATPL and ATC students, this case illustrates how geopolitical risk assessments directly influence airline network planning and operational decisions. **Air France** suspended all Middle East flights after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. It has extended cancellations for Riyadh until May 19, Dubai until May 27, and Tel Aviv and Beirut until May 27 inclusive, with possible further extensions depending on security developments. Transavia France has not set a return date, while KLM has canceled flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam until June 28, and Tel Aviv until a later date. **Lufthansa Group** carriers will resume Tel Aviv flights from June 1 (Austrian Airlines) and July 1 (Lufthansa, SWISS, ITA Airways), but Dubai remains suspended until September 13. Other Middle Eastern destinations like Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Beirut are suspended until late October. **EasyJet** aims for a winter 2026-2027 restart at the earliest, likely late October 2026 or later. **Ryanair** has not announced any return date and has hinted it may not return to the Israeli market at all, citing high airport taxes at Ben Gurion. This cautious approach highlights how airlines weigh safety, cost, and demand before resuming operations in volatile regions. For ATPL and ATC trainees, this real-world scenario demonstrates the critical role of regulatory bodies like EASA in issuing conflict zone warnings, and how airlines conduct their own risk assessments. Understanding these processes is essential for future pilots and controllers who may operate in or manage airspace affected by geopolitical tensions. The gradual recovery of Tel Aviv traffic also offers a case study in airspace management and airline network recovery after disruptions.