Amid the current uncertain security situation in Israel, the country having declared being at war, international airlines are either suspending or adjusting flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
The civil aviation authority of Israel has so far only altered some air traffic routes, but has not yet close the airspace, although it has advised airlines to “review current security and threat information” and preventively carry additional fuel. The agency has also warned that delays are to be expected.
While Israeli flag carrier, El Al, has indicated it is not cancelling flights, “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces”, US’ United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines have suspended all flights to Tel Aviv “until conditions allow them to resume”, until the end of the moth or until Friday, respectively.
Previous to the suspensions, the US Allied Pilots Association (APA), a union representing 15,000 pilots, issued a “do not fly” directive, asking pilots scheduled to fly to Israel to refuse the assignment. “It is not prudent or appropriate to knowingly put our flight crews and passengers in harm’s way by maintaining flights into a war zone. Therefore, after careful consideration, I am directing all pilots to cease flight operations to Israel until we can be reasonably assured of the region’s safety and security”, said Captain Ed Sicher, APA President.
Air Canada has also suspended flights to Tel Aviv with no indication of a resumption date. “Given the evolving situation in Israel, Air Canada is temporarily cancelling flights to Tel Aviv as of Sun, Oct. 8. We are monitoring this dynamic situation closely and we will adjust these plans as required. We remain in contact with the Canadian government. Air Canada will resume operations to Tel Aviv as soon as the situation stabilizes”, the airline said in a statement.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific has so far cancelled Tuesday and Thursday flights to Tel Aviv, mentioning that it “will continue to monitor the situation very closely” and provide updates on its website. “The safety of our passengers and crew are our top priority”, the airline said in a statement.
Air India has cancelled flights to Israel until 14 October.
In Europe, Ryanair has suspended flights until 11 October, Lufthansa until 14 October, Norwegian Air until 15 October and Wizz Air until further notice. Aegean, Swiss and Austrian Airlines have also cancelled flights to Tel Aviv.
Virgin Atlantic is trying to maintain some of the flights from London Heathrow to Israel but has cancelled 8 planned journeys until Wednesday. British Airways is also keeping the flights, with an adjusted schedule, departing Heathrow in the morning instead of the afternoon, “to avoid crew having to stay overnight in Israel”, reports the BCC.
Meanwhile, some countries have started evacuating nationals from Israel, Poland and Hungary having brought home 300 citizens, while Thailand and Nepal are also considering evacuating citizens.
