Several American airlines have suspended flights to Israel as the country deals with the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s history.
Flights from New York, Chicago, Washington DC and Miami fly regularly to Tel-Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, on Sunday most of those services were suspended until further notice.
Israeli officials said Monday that a Hamas rocket did not affect the airport’s international terminal, despite a social media video showing smoke billowing from the building.
In a statement, United said it operated two scheduled flights to the United States from Israel late on Saturday and early on Sunday, but suspended services “until conditions allow them to resume.” One flight, en route from San Francisco to Israel on Saturday evening, turned back mid-flight.
Delta representatives said flights “are canceled until this week” while they monitor the situation to make the necessary schedule changes. American Airlines also suspended services.
Airline services between the US and Israel have been suspended as the conflict continues after Hamas’ unprecedented attack
Delta Airlines, which operates regular services to Tel-Aviv, said it had suspended flights but would continue to work with the US government to get Americans out of the country
The Federal Aviation Administration urged US pilots to use ‘extreme caution’ when flying in Israeli airspace amid the conflict
Delta also said it will work with U.S. government officials to ensure U.S. citizens can leave the country safely.
The Federal Aviation Administration has urged US pilots to exercise “extreme caution” when flying in Israeli airspace amid the conflict.
While Hainan Airlines, the only Chinese airline that flies between China and Israel, canceled flights between Tel Aviv and Shanghai on Monday. Korean made a similar announcement.
“Future operations at TLV will be suspended until conditions permit to resume,” United said in a statement.
Delta said it is “working to safely transport Delta people back to the US and will work with the US government as needed to assist in the repatriation of US citizens who wish to return home.”
“We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as necessary,” American Airlines said.
International airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair, Brussels Airline, Transvaria, Iberia Express, ITA and Aegean Airlines, have suspended services until further notice.
British Airways has not yet suspended travel but said it was allowing bookers to be flexible with their travel plans.
Passengers wait at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, as international carriers continue to suspend flights
The conflict caused major disruption at Tel Aviv airport, with American Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa and Ryanair among carriers with canceled flights
It is unknown how many Americans are still stuck in Israel as the attacks continue.
More than two days after Hamas launched its surprise attack from Gaza, the army said the fighting had largely died down for now.
Israel’s vaunted military and intelligence apparatus was caught completely off guard, bringing heavy fighting to its streets for the first time in decades.
Israel formally declared war on Sunday, looming greater fighting and a possible ground offensive in Gaza – a move that has seen heightened casualties in the past.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy “the military and governing capabilities” of the militant group, which is deeply rooted in Gaza.
As Israel hit more than 1,000 targets in Gaza and its tanks and drones guarded openings in the border fence to prevent further infiltrations, Palestinian militants continued to fire rockets, setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Video posted online appears to show a plume of smoke near a terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport.
There was no immediate word on casualties or damage from the latest bombing.