Hundreds of people have died and thousands more are injured in Israel after Hamas fired rockets from Gaza into Israel. Globe Aware volunteers planning travel over the region should be aware of these travel advisories.

Hamas attacks in Israel: Airlines that have suspended flights amid travel advisory

The FAA has urged U.S. airlines and pilots to “use caution.”

By Melissa Gaffney and Amanda Maile
October 9, 2023
ABCNEWS

Hundreds of people have died and thousands more are injured after Hamas militants fired rockets from Gaza into Israel Saturday, Israeli authorities said.

The Israeli Defense Forces have declared “a state of alert for war,” according to a statement issued by the IDF early Saturday morning.

Is there a travel advisory to Israel?

The U.S. State Department is advising citizens to exercise increased caution if traveling to Israel or West Bank due to “terrorism and civil unrest,” and it currently has a “do not travel” advisory for Gaza.

The department said in an update Sunday that the situation “remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning.”

Is travel to Israel suspended?

The Federal Aviation Administration said its statement over the weekend urging U.S. airlines and pilots to “use caution” when flying in Israeli airspace still stands.

The agency issued a NOTAM, or Notice to Air Missions, to pilots on Saturday following the unrest that reads, in part, “potentially hazardous situation” and “operators are advised to exercise extreme caution.”

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the airspace of Israel on Sunday, recommending air operators “ensure that 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.”

Which airlines have canceled flights?

Major U.S. airlines

As of Monday afternoon, all major U.S. airlines and a number of foreign carriers had suspended service to and from Israel. Many other airlines, including Israeli flag carrier El Al, continue to operate flights.

American Airlines has canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv through Friday, the airline confirmed to ABC News, saying: “We continue to monitor and will make any additional adjustments as needed.”

Delta Air Lines said it has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until the end of October, saying: “Our hearts are with those who are impacted as our people work to find safe alternatives for customers trying to depart TLV.”

United Airlines said Sunday its flights to and from Tel Aviv “will remain suspended until conditions allow them to resume.”Air Canada has canceled a number of flights to and from Tel Aviv through Friday.

European airlines

Air France has suspended flights to Tel Aviv “until further notice.”

Wizz Air canceled all of its Israel-bound flights through Monday.

EasyJet canceled its flights to Tel Aviv through Tuesday.

KLM canceled all of its flights to and from Tel Aviv through Wednesday. Ryanair said it canceled flights to Tel Aviv through Wednesday.

ITA said it canceled flights to Tel Aviv until Thursday.

Lufthansa has suspended flights to Tel Aviv through Saturday.

Norwegian Air said it canceled all its flights to and from Tel Aviv through Sunday.

TAP announced Sunday it would suspend flights to Tel Aviv, but didn’t provide a timeframe on how long they would be suspended.

Middle East and Asia

Etihad canceled flights to Israel through Tuesday, saying the airline is “monitoring the situation in Israel and continues to maintain close contact with authorities.”

Cathay Pacific canceled its flights between Hong Kong and Tel Aviv through Thursday.

Gulf Air said it canceled flights to Tel Aviv until Saturday.

Airlines still flying to and from Israel

Virgin Atlantic canceled some flights to Israel but continues to operate some service between Tel Aviv and Heathrow Airport in London.

British Airways said it will continue to operate flights to Israel over the coming days with adjusted departure times, saying it’s “continuing to monitor the situation” and has introduced a flexible booking policy for customers who wish to change their travel.

Air Malta canceled a flight to Israel on Monday but said it plans to operate a flight on Thursday.

El Al continues to fly to and from Tel Aviv, saying it “operates in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces.”

Hainan Airlines said it will continue to operate its three flights between China and Israel while closely monitoring the situation in Israel.

How to get out of Israel

U.S. citizens in Israel “should follow local government advice to increase their security awareness and remain safe,” the State Department said. Citizens who need assistance should fill out the crisis intake form to contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate

“U.S. citizens who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the border crossings or verify flights have not been canceled before heading to the Ben Gurion Airport,” the department said.