International airlines have suspended or reduced flights to Tel Aviv as a result of the Jewish state’s conflict with Gaza’s Islamic militia movement, now into its fourth day.
About half of all scheduled flights at the airport did not operate on Sunday and some of them announced on Monday evening that they were suspending flights altogether until there was more clarity on the situation in the country.
Those that have suspended or reduced flights, and have underbelly capacity for airfreight, include American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Delta Airlines, Egypt Air, Finland’s Finnair, Dutch Carrier KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air, Portugal’s TAP, Poland’s LOT, Cathay Pacific and United Airlines.
Airlines from China and South Korea also joined them on Monday.
Russia has banned night flights to Israel, and regulators including the US Federal Aviation Authority and the European Federal Aviation Association Safety Agency urged caution.
Israel’s aviation authority has also urged airlines to use caution in Israeli airspace but stopped short of recommending the suspension or reduction of flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
It also advised all airlines to carry extra fuel as a precaution.
British Airways said it will continue flights “over the coming days with adjusted departure times”.
Virgin Atlantic confirmed it would run some flights but passengers could rebook or request a refund for tickets if they preferred.
Israel’s national carrier El Al said it would continue its flights for now and adjust its operations “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces”.
The belly-cargo impact of the mass withdrawal from air-servicing Israel is still being calculated.
It also not certain what impact the situation in the Middle East is having on dedicated wide-body cargo into Tel Aviv. – Source: Various News Agencies/Al Jazeera
