Several major airlines have decided to suspend flights to and from Israel after the nation declared war in response to a massive attack by Hamas. Israel retaliated by targeting over 1,000 sites in Gaza, while Palestinian militants continued launching rockets, causing air raid sirens to go off in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Videos shared online even showed smoke rising near a terminal at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
Numerous flights, both arrivals and departures, at Ben Gurion were either cancelled or delayed, as indicated by the airport’s online flight board. Despite this, a handful of flights managed to operate, primarily from Israel’s own national airline, El Al. Regional carriers such as Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines and Greece’s Blue Bird Airways also had a few flights.
In response to the escalating tensions, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines all suspended their services, with the US State Department issuing travel advisories due to the potential for terrorism and civil unrest in the region.
American Airlines temporarily suspended service to Tel Aviv until Friday and offered a travel alert to give passengers more flexibility if their plans were affected. They stated that they would closely monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments.
United Airlines allowed two scheduled flights out of Tel Aviv over the weekend and ensured that both customers and employees at the airport were accommodated. However, they announced that their Tel Aviv flights would remain suspended until conditions improved.
Delta Air Lines cancelled all Tel Aviv flights until October 31. They assured passengers that they were monitoring the situation closely and would make changes to their schedule accordingly. Passengers with cancelled flights or those wishing to modify their Tel Aviv tickets were advised to check the Delta app, website, or call Delta reservations for assistance.
In addition to American, United, and Delta, airlines from Europe and Asia also halted their flights in light of the hostilities. These airlines offered refunds and waived rebooking fees for affected passengers.
As the conflict continues, major airlines remain vigilant in prioritizing the safety and security of their passengers and crew.
Flight Operations Affected Amid Security Concerns in Israel
Numerous airlines have made the decision to suspend or cancel flights to and from Tel Aviv due to the uncertain security situation in Israel. Companies such as Air France, Lufthansa Group, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, easyJet, British Airways, and KLM have all taken precautionary measures prioritizing the safety of their passengers and crew.
Air France: Vigilantly Monitoring Geopolitical Situation
Air France affirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest level of flight safety by closely monitoring the geopolitical situation in areas served and overflown by its aircraft. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of its passengers and crew.
Lufthansa Group: Assessing Security Situation
Lufthansa Group, including Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa itself, temporarily suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. This decision was made following an intense analysis of the still unclear developing security situation in Israel.
Cathay Pacific Airways: Flight Cancellations in View of Latest Situation
Cathay Pacific Airways has canceled its scheduled flights to Tel Aviv on Tuesday and Thursday due to the current situation in Israel. The airline remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates on Friday prior to its next flight to the area.
Virgin Atlantic: Suspension of Service
Virgin Atlantic has temporarily suspended its service between London’s Heathrow Airport and Tel Aviv on Monday, Tuesday, and part of Wednesday. Ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew is a top priority for the airline.
Wizz Air: Suspension of All Flights
Wizz Air, a budget airline operating flights to Israel from Abu Dhabi and various European airports, has decided to cancel all flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and will resume operations when it is deemed safe to do so.
easyJet: Temporary Pause in Operations
easyJet has made the decision to temporarily pause operations on its London Luton and Manchester flights to Tel Aviv due to the evolving situation in Israel. The safety and security of passengers and crew remains the highest priority for the airline.
British Airways: Adjusted Departure Times
British Airways is planning to continue operating flights to Israel in the coming days, with adjusted departure times. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of its passengers.
KLM: Flight Cancellations Until Wednesday
Dutch carrier KLM has canceled flights to Tel Aviv until and including Wednesday. The company is taking precautionary measures and will resume operations once the situation has improved.
All airlines mentioned above have taken these measures as a result of the ongoing security concerns in Israel. The safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain paramount, with airlines dedicating themselves to closely monitoring the situation and making decisions accordingly.