Major airlines reported on Monday (9) that they have suspended flights to and from Israel since the country’s confrontation with Hamas, the terrorist group that rules the Gaza Strip, began on Saturday (7).
1 of 2 Israel’s main airport, near Tel Aviv — Photo: g1 Israel’s main airport, near Tel Aviv — Photo: g1
According to the airport’s online flight board, dozens of arrival and departure flights were canceled or delayed at Ben Gurion International Airport, located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Tel Aviv.
Still, there is a steady flow of flights to the region, mostly operated by Israel’s national airline El Al, along with others from regional carriers such as Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines and Greece’s Blue Bird Airways.
North American airlines American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines suspended service at the airport as the US State Department issued travel warnings for the region, citing the risk of terrorism and unrest.
“We operated two scheduled flights from Tel Aviv on Saturday evening and early Sunday, accommodating our traveling customers, crew members and employees who were at the airport. Our flights to Tel Aviv remain suspended until conditions permit their resumption,” United said in a statement.
The airport was not attacked
Ben Gurion Airport was not attacked, a spokesman for the Israel Airports Authority said on Monday. A video circulating online appeared to show smoke rising from the facility. However, according to the official, a missile was intercepted in the air on the edge of the site and the debris may have hit a nearby village.
2 of 2 passengers look at a departure board at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, October 7, 2023, as flights were canceled due to surprise Hamas attacks. — Photo: GIL COHENMAGEN / AFP Passengers look at a departure board at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on October 7, 2023, as flights were canceled due to surprise Hamas attacks. — Photo: GIL COHENMAGEN / AFP