Fri 20 Sep 2024 | 12:04 PM
Delta Airlines has suspended its direct flights between New York and Tel Aviv until the end of 2023, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The American airline joins a growing list of carriers that have either canceled or temporarily halted flights to cities in the region, including Beirut and Tehran, as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.
In a statement, Delta confirmed that its flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv will be paused until December 31, due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
A Delta spokesperson further clarified that this suspension will affect all direct flights operated by the airline between the United States and Israel through the end of the year.
Despite the suspension, Delta’s website still listed direct flights between New York and Tel Aviv, which will now be operated by its partner airline, El Al, Israel’s national carrier.
Concerns of a broader war on Israel‘s northern border have been growing following a recent incident in Lebanon. Thousands of Hezbollah communication devices exploded across the country, resulting in the deaths of 37 people and injuries to around 3,000 others, in what is widely attributed to an Israeli attack.
In response to the escalating situation, major airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines have suspended flights to Israel.
