Summary
- Several airlines have canceled services to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport due to an escalation in violence, causing disruption to around a quarter of flights.
- Lufthansa has canceled all services on Sunday and Monday prioritizing passenger and crew safety amidst the security situation.
- American Airlines has temporarily suspended operations in Israel and advises passengers to check its website for updates, while Israeli carriers continue to operate with delays and cancellations expected throughout the week.
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.
Current disruption
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.
Photo: ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock
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.”
Israel-based operators El Al, Israir Airlines, and Arkia Israeli Airlines are still operating some services as of Sunday, though many remain delayed. At least 36% of flag carrier El Al’s flights on Sunday have been disrupted, with the carrier since operating an emergency hotline for passengers to adjust their plans as required. Cancellations and delays are likely throughout the week.
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.
The escalation in violence has led to some airport closures across the south of the country, as well as heightened security at its primary hub in Tel Aviv.
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.
Have cancellations at Tel Aviv Airport disrupted your flight? Let us know in the comments.
Sources: FlightAware, CNN, The Jerusalem Post, CBS News