Major Airlines Cancel Flights to Tel Aviv Amid Escalating Conflict

Several major airlines have canceled flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport following a surprise attack launched by the Palestinian militant Hamas against Israel.

American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Ryanair are among the carriers that have suspended flights to Tel Aviv.

Cathay Pacific Airways announced the cancellation of flights CX675 from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv and CX676 from Tel Aviv to Hong Kong. Further updates will be provided before its next scheduled service on Thursday, October 12.

Hainan Airlines Suspension:

China’s Hainan Airlines canceled flights between Shanghai and Tel Aviv, citing heightened tensions in Israel. Hainan Airlines operates three direct flight routes between China and Israel.

Additional airlines, including Aegean, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Wizz Air, and Air Canada, have suspended their flights to Tel Aviv.

Commercial air links with Israel’s second international airport in Eilat, a tourist destination on the Red Sea, have not been halted.

El Al Continues Operations:

Israel’s flag carrier, El Al, stated that it would continue its Tel Aviv flights for now, although some flights operated by foreign partners were canceled. 

El Al is adhering to Israeli security force instructions and allowing ticket changes without charges.

The Greek foreign ministry is working to repatriate Greek tourists from Israel, with El Al facilitating the return of 81 Greek tourists on a late Sunday flight.

Spain’s AENA airports operator reported that four out of nine flights scheduled to Tel Aviv on Sunday were canceled, with two from Madrid and two from Barcelona.

Lufthansa and Air France Flight Cancellations:

Due to the current security situation, Lufthansa canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until Monday. 

Air France also halted Tel Aviv flights until further notice, with Transavia, a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM group, canceling Paris and Lyon flights to Tel Aviv until Monday.

Cancellations by ITA Airways and LOT Polish Airlines:

Italy’s ITA Airways canceled its flights to Tel Aviv until Sunday morning for the safety of passengers and crew. LOT Polish Airlines scrapped its flights from Warsaw on Saturday.

United Airlines Suspension:

Based in the United States, United Airlines suspended its Tel Aviv flights until conditions allow their resumption. The airline operated two scheduled flights out of Tel Aviv over the weekend to accommodate passengers and employees.

These flight cancellations reflect the growing concerns and disruptions caused by the escalating conflict in the region.

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