US Airlines Halt Flights to Israel As Conflict Escalates After Hamas Attacks

Major US airlines suspended flights to Israel after Hamas fired rockets from Gaza on Saturday. The Israeli Defense Forces declared “a state of war” following the massive attack. In three days, the conflict resulted in 1,500 deaths.

American Airlines said, “We continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operations as needed.” United, on the other hand, allowed two flights out of Tel Aviv on Saturday and Sunday to accommodate customers and employees who were at the airport.

As for Delta, it announced that flights to Tel Aviv are canceled through October 31. Delta said that it is carefully monitoring the situation and will make adjustments accordingly. Delta said in a statement, “Our hearts are with those who are impacted as our people work to find safe alternatives for customers trying to depart TLV.”

Aside from major US airlines, other foreign airlines also suspended flights to Israel following the Hamas attacks. Air Canada canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv through Friday.

Air France, announced that it is stopping flights “until further notice.” It said, “The airline is constantly monitoring the geopolitical situation in the areas served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety.”

Lufthansa also announced flight suspension to and from Tel Aviv until Saturday citing the “still unclear developing security situation in Israel.”

Exercise Increased Caution

Due to “terrorism and civil unrest,” the US State Department advised US citizens to exercise increased caution if traveling to Israel or the West Bank. It also announced a “do not travel” advisory for Gaza.

On Sunday, the department said that the situation in Israel “remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning.”

The Federal Aviation Administration urged US airlines and pilots to “use caution” when flying in Israeli airspace.

On Monday, President Joe Biden announced that the “safety of American citizens” is his administration’s top priority. The Hamas attacks resulted in the death of 11 Americans.