New York CNN –
Airlines scrambled to cancel flights to Israel early Saturday after Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack during a Jewish holiday, firing thousands of rockets from Gaza into nearby Israeli towns.
As of Saturday afternoon about 16% of flights to Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s international hub just outside Tel Aviv, were canceled and 23% were delayed.
Some flights to Israel were diverted to other airports around the globe. United Airlines Flight 954 left San Francisco International Airport on Friday evening and was diverted over Greenland about seven hours into the more than 13-hour journey, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. The flight would later return to San Francisco.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority,” the airline said in a statement. “We are monitoring the situation closely and adjusting flight plans if necessary.”
FlightAware data also shows that Delta Air Lines and American Airlines canceled flights to Israel that were scheduled to depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Saturday and Sunday.
The German airline Lufthansa also announced on Saturday that it would drastically reduce flights to Tel Aviv.
“Against the background of the current security situation in Israel, Lufthansa Group Airlines is reducing its flight program to/from Tel Aviv this Saturday,” airline officials said in a statement.
There will be another flight from Tel Aviv to Frankfurt this Saturday, but all other flights have been canceled, the airline said.
“We are continually monitoring the very dynamic security situation in Israel and are in close contact with the authorities. “The safety of our guests and crew members is Lufthansa’s top priority,” write airline representatives.
Popular Israeli news agency Walla! News reported on Saturday that Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines had canceled flights to and from Israel.
El Al, Israel’s national airline, said customers can “suspend flights for free or cancel for free with a voucher” and set up an emergency hotline for customers who need to change their flights.