Air operators have canceled several services to Israel’s Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) amid an escalation in violence through the weekend.
According to FlightAware, around 20% of services have been suspended through Sunday, with disruption expected to continue early into the week. Air France, ANA, Delta Air Lines, Wizz Air, and Brussels Airlines have canceled services into Tel Aviv, while Iberia, Turkish Airlines, and low-cost carrier Ryanair have scaled back operations.
German flag carrier Lufthansa was previously set to continue operating some of its Israel-bound connections; however, it has since confirmed it will cancel all services on Sunday and Monday. In a statement provided to Simple Flying, a spokesperson for the carrier explained,
“We are continuously monitoring the security situation in Israel and are in close contact with the authorities. The safety of our guests and crew members has top priority for Lufthansa.”
Several US-based operators have issued travel alerts, notably United Airlines, which is allowing passengers inbound to Tel Aviv and Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman between October 7 and 14 to alter their itineraries free of charge. Air India has similarly canceled all services to Tel Aviv until October 14.
American Airlines has canceled services from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) until Monday and advises its passengers to visit its website before travel. A spokesperson added,
“American Airlines has temporarily suspended operations to and from Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV) today and tomorrow, and has issued a travel alert providing additional flexibility to customers whose travel plans are affected. We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed.”
Ongoing tensions
Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel early on Saturday, leaving over 600 Israeli civilians dead, according to current government figures. Commercial passenger operations over Israel were briefly suspended, with airspace limited to military aircraft, according to a NOTAM issued by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority.
United Airlines UA954 returned to San Fransico International Airport (SFO) while over Greenland on Saturday, while Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Israir Airlines diverted to nearby alternative airports.
Tourists trapped in the country are reportedly seeking alternative flights, CBS News reports, though some remain stuck in cities close to the conflict zone following shelter-in-place warnings. According to the news outlet, US travelers flooded the airport on Saturday evening, with tickets surging to over $2000.
Source SimpleFlying.com