Major Airlines Suspend Service to Israel

Several major U.S., European and Asian airlines, along with subsidiaries, as of Monday morning had suspended service to Israel following surprise Hamas attacks on Israel on Saturday.

Oct 9, 2023 - 21:04

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Surprise Hamas attacks on Israel on Saturday escalated quickly into a declaration of war by Israel this weekend amid increasing violence, abductions and land and air strikes in the region that have resulted in at least 1,200 people dead and more than 150 Israelis being held hostage, according to reports.

Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv has remained open despite the escalating violence. Some airlines have suspended flights for Monday but may have limited service later this week.

According to Flightradar24, more than half of Ben Gurion International's typical volume remains scheduled.

The following major U.S., European and Asian airlines, along with subsidiaries, had suspended service to the country as of Monday morning. U.S. airlines have given statements that they are monitoring the situation and will resume flights as safety conditions improve. This is a developing situation, and this list is subject to change and will be updated as circumstances warrant.

Air France – SuspendedAir Canada – Suspended; will resume "as soon as the situation stabilizes"American Airlines – Monitoring until conditions improveCathay Pacific – Will provide updates ahead of scheduled service ThursdayDelta Air Lines – Monitoring until conditions improveEasyJet – Flights canceled Monday; expect changes through the weekHainan – Monday flights canceled; will continue some flights between Beijing and Shenzhen to Tel Aviv but waive cancellation fees through Oct. 20India Air – Suspended until Oct 14. Korean Air – Flights canceled Monday; future flights irregularLufthansa – Canceled Monday; expect update this weekUnited Airlines – Monitoring until conditions improveVirgin Atlantic – Suspended but "under constant review"Wizz Air – Suspended

Airlines that continue to fly to Israel include British Airways, El Al Israel Airlines, Emirates, FlyDubai, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Hava.

The Israeli government issued a caution to airlines flying over Israeli airspace, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has underscored that caution, issuing Notice to Air Missions to pilots that flags, in part, a "potentially hazardous situation" and "operators are advised to exercise extreme caution." The EU Aviation Safety agency on Sunday issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin recommending airlines ensure "a robust risk assessment is in place together with a high level of contingency planning for their operations and to be ready for short notice instructions from the Israeli authorities."

Airlines that continue to serve routes to Israel—or that regularly fly over Israel airspace—are being urged to carry additional fuel in case of re-routing. Some flights may opt to avoid the area, elongating flight durations and forcing schedule changes.

Prolonged conflict in the region is likely to push jet fuel prices higher and may lead to higher ticket prices for airlines. CNBC reported energy stock prices "popped" this morning as oil prices rose following the attacks.