Airlines Suspend Flights to Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In the wake of the barbaric attack on Israel by the Iranian proxy terror organization Hamas in the Gaza strip, several major airlines have suspended their flights to Israel. The brutal attack, which has left over 700 Israelis dead and thousands injured, has prompted concerns about the safety of air travel to the region.

United Airlines, one of the major carriers serving Tel Aviv, announced that it had temporarily suspended flights to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv until conditions allow for their safe resumption. In response to the ongoing crisis, the airline issued a travel alert for TLV, effective from October 7th to October 14th. Passengers impacted by the suspension can reschedule their flights with waived fees and fare differences.

Air Canada followed suit by temporarily suspending its flights to Israel, affecting routes between Tel Aviv and Toronto as well as Montreal. The suspension came into effect on a Sunday, impacting flights scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Passengers have the option to change their flights to a later date between Sunday and October 21st at no extra charge, while those who wish to cancel will receive a full refund.

American Airlines issued a travel alert for passengers traveling to, through, and from Tel Aviv between October 7th and October 21st. Under certain conditions, passengers can change their flights with waived fees. This proactive response aims to provide flexibility and peace of mind to travelers during this uncertain period.

Delta Airlines decided to cancel flights to Tel Aviv for the entire week and promised to make schedule adjustments as needed. The airline also offered travel waivers for rebooked flights until October 21st. If passengers cannot rebook by this date, they have the option to cancel their reservations and use the credit for a new ticket valid for one year from the original ticket date.

The U.S. State Department issued travel advisories for both Gaza and Israel due to the ongoing conflict. It urged people to avoid traveling to Gaza altogether because of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. For Israel and the liberated lands of Judea and Samaria, the advisory recommends travelers exercise increased caution due to terrorism and civil unrest. The situation is described as “dynamic,” with a warning of mortar or rocket fire taking place without warning.

Israel’s military has escalated its retaliatory attacks over the past two days, launching airstrikes into Gaza.

The death toll surpassed 1,100 individuals on both sides on Sunday, with thousands more Israelis and Palestinians wounded, according to a report Sunday on TheHill.com web site.

Ben Gurion International Airport remained open as of Sunday night, with flight tracker FlightAware showing arrivals and departures at the airport, the report added.

The State Department said Sunday U.S. citizens in Gaza looking to leave and can safely do so should check the status of the Rafah Crossing, the sole crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.