Numerous airlines have taken the precaution of suspending or canceling flights to Israel in response to the recent surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. In light of Israel’s military offensive on Gaza and the resulting casualties on both sides, the following airlines have adjusted their flight schedules:
American Airlines: Suspended direct flights to Israel following the Federal Aviation Administration’s cautionary advisory.
Aegean Airlines: Cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until Thursday.
Air Canada: Cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv indefinitely and intends to resume operations once the situation stabilizes.
Air India: Suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until October 14, citing passenger and crew safety.
Air France: Suspended flights without specifying a timeframe, and its unit, Transavia France, cancelled flights through Thursday, with uncertainty regarding services from October 13.
Air Malta: Adjusted operations as necessary, cancelling two return trips on Monday and Wednesday.
Cathay Pacific: Cancelled Tuesday and Thursday flights between Hong Kong and Tel Aviv, with further updates pending for the next scheduled service.
Delta Air Lines: Cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv for the remainder of October, with a willingness to cooperate with Washington if repatriation flights for American citizens are required.
EasyJet: Temporarily paused flights with Tel Aviv until Friday and indicated further schedule adjustments in the coming days.
Finnair: Suspended flights to Tel Aviv until the end of the Nordic winter season on March 30, 2024. Finnair clarified that it does not currently utilize Israeli airspace.
Lufthansa Group: This includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. They cancelled Tel Aviv flights through Saturday.
Hainan Airlines: The sole Chinese carrier with routes to Israel, it cancelled Beijing and Shanghai flights to Tel Aviv from October 12 to 31 while keeping the Shenzhen to Tel Aviv route operational.
ITA (Italy’s New Flag Carrier): Cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Norwegian Air: Cancelled flights from Copenhagen and Stockholm to Tel Aviv and return flights up to and including Sunday, October 15, due to the situation in Israel.
Korean Air: The sole South Korean airline offering direct flights between Incheon and Tel Aviv, it cancelled its Monday flight but planned to operate a return flight to bring passengers back to Incheon.
These measures reflect airlines’ concern for passenger safety and their responsiveness to the evolving situation in the region. Travelers are advised to stay updated with their respective airlines for further information on flight schedules and adjustments.