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A weekend of deadly attacks between Israeli forces and Hamas militants has left travel to and from Israel severely disrupted. What began as clashes around the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Friday escalated rapidly, with Hamas firing hundreds of rockets into Israel starting Saturday night. Israel has responded with airstrikes on Gaza.
At least 42 Palestinians, including children, have been reported killed in the Gaza Strip since the violence began. In Israel, at least three people have been killed.
With tensions at their highest point since the 2014 Gaza war, most international airlines have canceled flights to Israel. The situation remains extremely fluid, but here is what we know so far about how travel to the region has been impacted.
Aviation Chaos Around Ben Gurion Airport
Hamas has declared one of its targets is Ben Gurion International Airport, located just outside Tel Aviv. The airport was briefly shut down on Saturday after Hamas rocket fire was detected heading toward the airport.
Ben Gurion reopened Sunday morning, but its arrival and departure boards showed rows of canceled flights from international airlines. Video footage showed largely empty check-in counters and departure gates.
Israel’s flag carrier El Al has said it will continue operating flights as scheduled for now. The airline is offering customers the options to “freeze” tickets for future travel or receive vouchers if they wish to cancel.
Other Israeli airlines, like Arkia and Israir, also plan to maintain flights to repatriate citizens stranded abroad. But most major international airlines have suspended service to Israel for the near future.
Airlines Halt Flights to Tel Aviv
Germany’s Lufthansa, Air France, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are among the myriad carriers that have canceled flights to Tel Aviv.
Cathay Pacific announced it is stopping flights to Tel Aviv through at least October 12. Hong Kong’s sole airline flying to Israel stated, “The safety of our customers and crew remains our highest priority.”
Korean Air scapped its Monday flight from Incheon to Tel Aviv but operated a return from Tel Aviv to bring South Koreans home. Similarly, Poland’s LOT Airlines has canceled departures from Warsaw to Tel Aviv but will fly empty planes into Israel to retrieve Polish citizens.
The FAA cautioned U.S. pilots about hazards flying into Israel, while American citizens were advised to be in contact with the embassy in Jerusalem or consulate in Tel Aviv. The U.K. recommended citizens avoid Gaza and border regions with Lebanon.
Airlines have said they will monitor the volatile situation and resume flights when it is safe to do so. But with missile barrages and airstrikes ongoing, it is unclear when that will be. Industry experts warn the suspension of so many flights could have a massive economic impact on Israel’s tourism sector.
Cancellation of Major Events
Along with flight disruptions, major concerts, sporting matches and other events in Israel have been called off due to the violence.
A Euro 2024 soccer qualifier between Israel and Switzerland was postponed, as were Israel’s Under-21 Euro championship games. Bruno Mars also canceled a sold-out concert in Tel Aviv planned for this past weekend.
Venues like Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium canceled events, asking patrons to avoid large gatherings. The municipality of Tel Aviv closed public bomb shelters as residents were instructed to remain near protected areas.
Israelis Advised to Stay Near Shelters
As sirens continue to sound across major Israeli cities warning of incoming rockets, citizens have been told to remain near bomb shelters and protected spaces. Hamas’ long-range rocket attacks have reached as far north as Tel Aviv and beyond.
The Israeli Home Front Command uses loudspeakers, text messages and phone alerts to warn people to take cover when missiles are approaching. Israelis have been advised to keep emergency kits on hand.
Normal daily activities have been severely interrupted, with schools closing, many businesses shutting down, and residents remaining close to shelters. Israelis have been warned to avoid non-essential travel within the country during this time.
Tourists Advised to Shelter in Place
With public transportation disrupted, the Israeli government has recommended foreign visitors shelter in place for now. Tourists have been advised to follow Home Front Command guidance and contact their embassies for the latest updates.
Many hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have security protocols and shelters in place. Travelers staying in vacation rentals should identify the nearest public bomb shelter or fortified room stocked with supplies.
The U.S. embassy said American citizens should fill out an online form if trying to contact family members in Israel they cannot reach. It warned the situation “continues to be unpredictable.”
No End in Sight for Violence
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the Israel Defense Forces campaign against Hamas “will take time.” IDF airstrikes on Gaza have destroyed apartment buildings and killed several Hamas military commanders.
Meanwhile, Hamas and Islamic Jihad show no signs of ceasing rocket attacks on Israeli population centers. Well over 1,000 projectiles have now been fired from Gaza, overwhelming Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.
Previous flare-ups between the bitter enemies have lasted weeks or months. With neither side appearing willing to stand down, the travel disruptions seem unlikely to abate quickly.
Those with upcoming plans to visit Israel or the Palestinian territories are advised to carefully monitor government advisories and airline announcements over the coming days and weeks. While yearning for peace, travelers must remain flexible as the region’s complex history continues to unfold.
