The global aviation industry is buzzing with renewed activity and safety updates as airlines ramp up flight operations and respond to emerging technological risks. In the past week, two major developments have captured the attention of travelers and industry watchers alike: the resumption of dozens of international flight routes and a high-profile move by a leading U.S. airline to restrict the use of lithium battery-powered devices onboard. Together, these stories highlight the complex balancing act airlines face as they work to restore connectivity while keeping passengers safe in an era of evolving threats.
On April 12, 2026, Israel’s flagship airline El Al announced a significant expansion of its international network, revealing plans to resume flights to nine new destinations starting next week. According to the airline’s official social media announcement, the new routes will connect Tel Aviv with Boston, London Luton, Tivat in Montenegro, Krakow in Poland, Marseille in France, Sofia in Bulgaria, Paphos in Cyprus, and the Greek cities of Rhodes and Thessaloniki. With these additions, El Al will serve approximately 40 destinations worldwide, marking a robust rebound for the company after months of disrupted service.
El Al’s announcement is part of a broader wave of renewed air traffic at Ben-Gurion Airport. The Israel Airports Authority (IAI) confirmed that several foreign carriers are also resuming flights this week. Bulgarian charter airline ALK Airlines, operating on behalf of Bluebird Airways, restarted daily flights on April 12. TUS Airways, based in Larnaca, Cyprus, is set to resume operations on April 14. Abu Dhabi’s national flag carrier Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines will both return to the skies on April 15, followed by China’s Hainan Airlines on April 16. By April 17, Moscow-based Red Wings Airlines, Georgian Airways, and Moldova’s FlyOne are scheduled to join the growing list of active carriers.
Arrangements are also underway for other airlines, including the popular low-cost carrier FlyDubai, to resume flights in the coming days. The flurry of returning airlines is a welcome sign for both leisure and business travelers, many of whom have faced limited options and uncertainty in recent months.
Israeli officials have been quick to frame these developments as evidence of the aviation sector’s resilience. "We are working very hard to expand air activity and return the aviation industry to full operations," said Transportation Minister Miri Regev, as reported by local media. She emphasized the importance of offering the Israeli public a wider variety of destinations and pledged ongoing efforts to increase the supply of flights. IAI Chairman Yiftach Ron Tal echoed this optimism, stating, "The return of foreign airlines reflects confidence in the Israeli aviation system and its ability to cope even in complex times." According to the Israel Airports Authority, for destinations where flight operations have not yet resumed, El Al is proactively reaching out to customers to confirm their travel intentions and keep them informed of changes.
This rush of activity in Israel is mirrored by global trends, but it comes at a time when airlines are also grappling with a very different kind of challenge: the rising risk posed by lithium battery-powered devices. On April 11, 2026, Southwest Airlines, one of America’s largest carriers, announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the threat of battery fires onboard its planes. In an internal message to employees, Dave Hunt, Southwest’s vice president of safety and security, outlined the new policy: beginning April 20, passengers will be limited to one lithium battery-powered portable charger per person. The airline also stated that portable chargers will no longer be allowed in overhead bins; instead, passengers must either hold them or stow them in a carry-on bag under their seat. In addition, Southwest will ban the use of in-seat power outlets to charge portable chargers, though regular chargers for phones and laptops can still be used in those outlets.
The move comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airlines worldwide contend with an uptick in lithium battery incidents. According to the FAA, there were 97 reported episodes involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat linked to lithium batteries on passenger and cargo aircraft in 2025—up from 89 such incidents in 2024. The trend shows no sign of abating: so far in 2026, there have already been 14 lithium battery-related incidents, nine of which were caused by battery packs or batteries.
Some of these incidents have been especially alarming. In January 2025, a fire destroyed an Air Busan plane on the tarmac in Busan, South Korea. Investigators believe a power bank may have been the source of the blaze. The aftermath prompted several international airlines—including Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines—to ban the use and charging of power banks during flights. In another notable episode, a lithium battery spontaneously combusted inside a passenger’s carry-on luggage during an Air China flight in October 2025, underscoring the unpredictable nature of these devices.
Southwest’s new policy follows an earlier step in May 2025, when the airline prohibited passengers from charging devices using portable batteries stored in overhead bins. The latest restrictions are designed to minimize the risk of in-flight fires, which can be difficult to contain at altitude and pose a serious threat to passenger safety. The FAA has long advised that lithium batteries should not be placed in checked baggage unless their devices are powered off, given the risk of short-circuiting or damage that can lead to fires.
Industry experts say the rise in lithium battery incidents is partly a consequence of the proliferation of personal electronic devices and portable chargers among travelers. As more people rely on smartphones, tablets, and laptops to stay connected during flights, the demand for backup power sources has surged. Unfortunately, not all battery packs are created equal. Poorly manufactured or damaged batteries are especially prone to overheating, and even reputable brands can fail under the right (or wrong) circumstances.
The aviation industry’s response has been swift and, at times, forceful. Airlines around the world are reviewing their policies, updating safety protocols, and educating passengers about the risks associated with lithium batteries. Some carriers have introduced fire containment bags for use in the event of a battery fire, while others are stepping up inspections and pre-flight announcements on the subject.
For travelers, the new wave of airline policies means adjusting habits and packing routines. Passengers flying with Southwest after April 20 will need to limit themselves to a single portable charger and keep it accessible at all times. Those connecting through or departing from Israel will soon enjoy a wider range of flight options, but should also be mindful of evolving safety regulations—especially as more airlines adopt similar restrictions.
As the world’s airlines navigate the dual imperatives of expanding service and protecting passengers, the message is clear: the skies are opening up, but safety remains at the heart of every journey.