ANKARA (AA): Several major airline companies, from the U.S. and Europe to Asia announced they have suspended flights to Israel and Lebanon, citing security concerns following recent developments in the Middle East.
The decision follows Wednesday’s assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Expected retaliation from Iran against Israel has heightened security risks, impacting airline operations. United Airlines, which operates 14 weekly flights between New York and Israel, has suspended flights to Israel until Aug.
6. The U.S.
Delta Airlines also suspended flights to Israel, and British Airways canceled its flights to the country on Wednesday. Swiss International Air Lines suspended flights between Zurich and Tel Aviv until at least Aug. 8, citing the safety of crew and passengers.
Also, the suspension of Zurich-Beirut flights, initially set to end on July 29, has been extended to Aug. 12. German airline Lufthansa announced it had suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv until Aug.
8 and Aug. 12, respectively, due to security concerns. The airline said it would monitor the situation on the ground to determine when flights can resume.
Air India also canceled its flights to Tel Aviv until Aug. 8, citing security concerns. ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, announced that flights to and from Tel Aviv are suspended until Aug.
6 “due to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and to ensure the safety of its passengers and crews.” Poland’s nation.