Monday, August 26, 2024 Ben Gurion International Airport , Israel’s main travel hub, faced significant disruptions early Sunday morning. However, the airport has since resumed normal operations, albeit with some lingering effects. The Initial Disruption: The airport was forced to close for approximately two hours, leading to the diversion of incoming flights and the suspension of outbound travel.
This unexpected closure caused significant inconvenience for thousands of passengers who had planned to travel through the airport. Foreign Airlines Affected: Several international airlines, canceled all their flights to and from Israel on Sunday in response to the heightened security situation. This decision further disrupted travel plans and left many passengers stranded.
Gradual Return to Normalcy: Despite the initial chaos, Ben Gurion Airport reopened its doors at 7:00 a.m. and has been gradually returning to normal operations.
The airport’s director general, Udi Bar Oz, stated that the flight schedule is being stabilized, and delays are expected to decrease throughout the day. Impact on Passengers: The airport closure and subsequent disruptions had a significant impact on passengers. Many experienced flight delays and cancellations, while others were forced to make alternative travel arrangements.
Some flights were diverted to nearby airports, causing further inconvenience for travelers. Foreign Airlines Resuming Flights: While some foreign airlines canceled their flights on Sunday, efforts are underway to resume operations in the coming days. Several airlines have announced plans to gradually resume their services to and from Israel, providing more travel options for passengers.
Airlines Affected and Resumed The following airlines were impacted by the temporary closure of Ben Gurion Airport: Canceled Flights from Ben Gurion Airport Air France British Airways Transavia Lufthansa Aegean Airlines Wizz Air Resumed Flights to Ben Gurion Airport El Al: Israel’s national carrier has resumed its flight schedule after making necessary adjustments. Arkia: The Israeli low-cost airline has also resumed normal operations. Israir: Another Israeli low-cost airline, Israir, has posted updates on its website showing that the majority of its flights are delayed on Sunday.
Bulgaria Air: Bulgaria Air has resumed flights to Israel. Wizz Air: The Hungarian low-cost carrier has resumed flights to Israel. Air Europa: The Spanish airline has resumed flights to Israel.
TAROM: The Romanian flag carrier has resumed flights to Israel. Ethiopian Airlines: The Ethiopian airline has resumed flights to Israel. Passengers are advised to check with their specific airlines for the latest updates on flight status.
Ongoing Conflict and Security Concerns: The closure of Ben Gurion Airport was a direct result of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The IDF’s preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets was aimed at preventing a major attack on Israel. The ongoing conflict and security concerns continue to pose a threat to air travel to and from Israel.
Travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and exercise caution when planning their trips..
