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In the heart of a turbulent region, travelers are faced with an ever-shifting landscape as clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants persist. With international airlines altering flight schedules and governments revising travel advisories, here’s your essential guide to navigating this complex situation.
Understanding the Aviation Impact
Ben Gurion International Airport: A Resilient Hub
Amidst the conflict, one name stands tall – Ben Gurion International Airport. Located just outside Tel Aviv, it’s the lifeblood of Israel’s aviation. As missiles whizzed overhead, our correspondent, CNN’s Nic Robertson, reported from the airport on October 7. Passengers and crew found themselves on the ground as sirens wailed, yet the Iron Dome air defense system thwarted missile threats.
Remarkably, despite the turmoil, Ben Gurion Airport’s website confirmed it was open and operational as of Monday morning. The airport’s resilience reflects Israel’s determination.
Eilat’s Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport: Defying Uncertainty
Eilat’s Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport, nestled by the Red Sea in southern Israel, is another symbol of Israel’s commitment to keeping its skies open. As per their plans, they continue to provide services, sending a message of defiance in the face of adversity.
El Al Airlines: Staying the Course
El Al, Israel’s flagship carrier, released a statement on October 8 assuring travelers that they would maintain regular operations. They emphasized strict adherence to Israeli security forces’ instructions and departure exclusively from Terminal 3.
For passengers with flexible plans, El Al offers the option to “freeze” tickets, allowing their use on a later, unspecified date. Booking change fees have been waived for flights scheduled until October 21. Those who opt to cancel can receive a voucher via El Al’s website, with an emergency hotline available for affected customers.
Other Carriers Lend a Hand
On October 9, some flights continued to land at Ben Gurion, mainly operated by Israeli airlines. Notably, El Al operated flights from Rome, Milan, and Athens, albeit with a few delays. Smaller carriers, Israir and Arkia Airlines, pledged to operate flights to facilitate the return of Israelis stranded abroad.
International Airlines in Retreat
The international aviation community responded swiftly, cutting air services to Israel as the situation unfolded.
Lufthansa Group Airlines: Citing security concerns, Lufthansa announced a reduction in its flight program to and from Tel Aviv.
Air France: French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne confirmed the suspension of all Air France flights to Israel.
Cathay Pacific Airways: The Hong Kong-based airline canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv, with updates expected on October 12.
Korean Air: While canceling Monday flights, Korean Air organized a return flight from Tel Aviv to Incheon to facilitate the homecoming of affected passengers.
Delta Air Lines: For the remainder of the month, Delta canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv, vowing to collaborate with the U.S. government on repatriation efforts.
United Airlines: United Airlines canceled direct flights, prioritizing passenger and crew safety, and monitoring the situation closely.
Additional Cancellations: Notably, Air Canada, Hainan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Royal Air Maroc, Wizz Air, and EasyJet also announced cancellations or suspensions, aligning with safety as their paramount concern.
Cruise Adjustments: Navigating Troubled Waters
Even the cruise industry has been compelled to adapt hastily to unforeseen changes.
Norwegian Jade: The ship canceled stops in Ashdod and Haifa, opting to journey to Turkey before concluding its voyage in Athens.
Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean announced the cancellation of two sailings from Haifa on its Rhapsody of the Seas ship. The decision was made with passengers’ well-being and safety in mind, aligning with global security concerns.
Celestyal Cruises: Suspending all Israel ports of call until the end of November, Celestyal Cruises prioritizes safety and the swift return of peace to the region.
Scheduled Events: Entertainment in the Balance
The world of entertainment has not been spared the disruptions.
UEFA Matches: The Union of European Football Associations called off matches set to occur in Israel over the coming weeks. This includes a Euro 2024 qualifier and Israel’s Euro Under-21 championship matches, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
Bruno Mars Concert: A sold-out Bruno Mars concert in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park met an unfortunate fate. Live Nation, the event’s organizer, made the responsible decision to cancel the second show on October 7. Refunds will be automatically issued for disappointed ticket holders.
Foreign Governments’ Guidance
Governments worldwide are closely monitoring the situation in Israel and Gaza, offering valuable guidance to their citizens.
U.S. Embassy: Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the situation, the U.S. Embassy in Israel urges American citizens to reach out to the embassy in Jerusalem or the consulate in Tel Aviv for support. A crisis intake form is available for families in the U.S. seeking assistance in connecting with their loved ones in Israel.
UK Embassy: British nationals in Israel are advised to heed the guidance of Israel’s Home Front Command, responsible for search and rescue operations. Further recommendations include avoiding dangerous areas like Gaza and the regions bordering Lebanon, emphasizing safety as the paramount concern.
In a rapidly changing landscape, travelers must remain vigilant and well-informed, keeping safety as their top priority when considering trips to Israel and Gaza.
