British Airways (BA) has announced the suspension of all flights to Tel Aviv until March 2025, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The British airline joins a growing list of carriers halting Israel-bound services in response to the ongoing conflict.
Prior to the suspension, BA operated up to two direct flights daily from Heathrow to Tel Aviv. A spokesperson for the airline explained that this decision aims to offer more certainty to passengers. “We are contacting our customers to provide options, including a full refund,” the spokesperson stated.
Other airlines have also made similar moves. German carrier Lufthansa recently halted its flights to Tel Aviv until 10 November 2023, while its subsidiary Eurowings suspended operations until 30 November. Low-cost airline Wizz Air has ceased all flights to and from Israel until 15 January 2024, and Delta Air Lines announced an extension of its cancellations, now covering all routes to Israel until the end of March 2024.
Despite the situation, Israeli airlines Arkia, El Al, and Israir have continued operating, only cancelling flights when Ben Gurion International Airport or Israeli airspace was closed due to security concerns. Last Monday, Arkia introduced new flights between Manchester and Tel Aviv, targeting Israeli football fans. The route will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays.
Liat Bell Sommer, head of communications and government relations at Arkia, highlighted the demand from the global Jewish community. “Since 7 October, we have seen an eagerness from Jewish communities to visit Israel and support those affected by the war. Arkia’s direct flights make this much easier.”
Manchester Airport confirmed the first of these flights departed for Tel Aviv last Monday, despite the UK government’s recent advisory against non-essential travel to Israel’s capital.
As the conflict continues, more airlines are likely to adjust their schedules to ensure passenger safety.
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