Monday, August 5, 2024 Airlines are suspending flights to Israel due to escalating regional tensions following political assassinations and retaliatory strikes, leaving travelers stranded. Amid fears of escalating instability, airlines are suspending flights to Israel following the assassination of political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran (THR), just hours after an Israeli strike in Beirut (BEY) that killed a senior Hezbollah figure. In response to potential retaliation, several carriers have taken precautionary measures, resulting in the cancellation of scheduled services to Israel.
On Thursday, August 1, Lufthansa (LH) and Fly Dubai (FZ) announced they were suspending their flights to the country. These suspensions come on the heels of earlier cancellations by United Airlines (UA), Delta Air Lines (DL), and British Airways (BA) on July 31. Air India (AI), the only foreign airline operating between Israel and East Asia, has also halted its flights.
United Airlines confirmed that its Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) route would remain suspended indefinitely. Flight cancellations due to regional instability are not unprecedented. Last year, many airlines, except Israel’s own, temporarily ceased operations to Israel due to safety concerns.
As a result of these cancellations, many Israelis are stranded abroad and are searching for alternative ways to return home. Israeli airlines have responded by adding flights from Athens (ATH) to facilitate the return of Israeli citizens from Greece. According to Israel National News, low-cost carriers Wizz Air (W6) and Ryanair (FR) continue to operate flights to Israel but are closely monitoring the situation.
In a related development, Air France (AF) and its subsidiary Transavia (HV) announced on Saturday that they are extending flight restrictions between Paris and Beirut until at least August 6, due to the heightened regional tensions..
