In the wake of growing regional tensions, numerous global airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air, British Airways, and Lufthansa, have temporarily suspended flights to Israel. This decision comes as part of precautionary measures to ensure passenger and crew safety amid escalating conflicts in the area.
Delta Airlines announced the suspension of its flights through August 2 “due to ongoing conflict in the region,” according to Israel’s state-owned Kan TV. United Airlines, which operates routes between New York and Tel Aviv alongside Delta, did not specify suspension dates but stated they are closely monitoring the security situation.
Kan TV also reported that early morning flights on Thursday from Munich to Tel Aviv by German carrier Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines’ Vienna-Tel Aviv flights, were diverted to Cyprus and Bulgaria.
Lufthansa Group and its subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines have canceled all passenger and cargo flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect through August 8, spokespeople for the airlines confirmed on Thursday. “The reason for this is the current development in the region,” a Lufthansa spokesperson stated. The group has also extended the halt on flights to and from Beirut, the Lebanese capital, through August 12.
In a statement, Lufthansa explained that the flight diversions are precautionary measures due to security activities, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew remains the airline’s top priority. Swiss International has similarly suspended flights from Zurich to Tel Aviv through August 8 and to Beirut through August 12.
Despite these suspensions, Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority head, Shmuel Zakai, insisted in an interview with The Times of Israel on Thursday that flights to and from Israel are safe. He highlighted that nearly 70,000 passengers traveled in and out of Israel on approximately 60 airlines that day.
As the situation continues to evolve, airlines are closely monitoring developments to make informed decisions regarding flight operations in the region. Passengers are advised to stay updated with airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and safety measures.
(With input from agencies)
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Global airlines suspend flights to Israel due to security situation
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