Airlines Halt Flights to Israel Amid Escalating Conflict

The U.S. State Department is warning American citizens in Israel that unexpected mortar and rocket fire may occur following a surprise attack by Hamas that prompted Israel to declare war. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that military operations in Gaza will continue unabated.

As reported by the Associated Press, nearly 1,600 casualties have been recorded on both sides of the conflict, including nine American fatalities.

In light of the ongoing crisis, numerous flights to and from Israel have been cancelled.

United Airlines issued a statement to Dinogo, explaining, 'We operated two flights out of Tel Aviv over the weekend and provided for our customers, crew, and employee travelers present at the airport. However, all flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended until it is safe to resume operations.'

United has announced a travel waiver for flights to and from Amman, Jordan, valid until October 14.

Delta Air Lines has canceled all flights to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv through October 31, as reported to Dinogo. 'Our thoughts are with those affected while our team seeks safe alternatives for customers wishing to leave [Tel Aviv],' Delta stated, adding that it 'will continue to explore options for safe exits via seats available on partner airlines.'

American Airlines informed Dinogo that it has also temporarily suspended its flights to and from Tel Aviv, issuing a travel alert. 'We are closely monitoring the situation with safety and security as our top priority and will make necessary adjustments to our operations,' the airline said.

Several international airlines, including Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa, have suspended their services to Tel Aviv. As of the latest update, British Airways was still operating flights to Israel while monitoring the situation closely, and Israeli airline El Al was continuing all flights as scheduled.

While Ben Gurion International Airport remains operational, the U.S. Embassy in Israel advises American citizens to verify flight availability with airlines and check directly with the airport.

Crisis 24, a security risk management firm, recommends that travelers reconsider any nonessential trips to Israel and the Palestinian Territories until the situation stabilizes, particularly in central and southern Israel, according to a recent security alert from the company.

Crisis 24 warned in its alert that fighting is likely to persist in Israel and along the Israel–Gaza border between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants after a surprise multi-faceted attack by Hamas on October 7.

Tour operators and cruise lines have also been canceling or adjusting their itineraries in the region. Global tour operator Intrepid has issued a travel advisory stating that all tours in Israel and the Palestinian Territories have been canceled through October 31. G Adventures has likewise canceled all its tours to Israel until October 15.

Celestyal, a cruise line based in Athens, Greece, is closely monitoring the situation and has temporarily suspended all port calls to Israel.

'We hope for the safety of all those affected and a swift return to peace in the region,' stated Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides. The cruise line has opted to remove Israel from its seven-night Three Continents itinerary until the end of November.

Global Rescue, a travel risk management company specializing in emergency evacuations, reports that it is assisting members and other citizens seeking safety as travelers attempt to leave the region.

In its most recent update, the U.S. Embassy in Israel announced that it will continue to closely monitor developments. 'Active military operations are ongoing in the Gaza perimeter and Gaza itself, along with rocket and mortar fire in the area,' the embassy stated. The Erez crossing between Israel and Gaza is currently closed, and U.S. citizens in Gaza wishing to depart are advised to check the status of the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

U.S. embassy staff have been advised to observe a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily and to remain as close to their residences as possible.

'U.S. citizens should stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to enhance their security awareness, as incidents like mortar and rocket fire can occur unexpectedly,' the embassy cautioned.

In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a 'red alert' siren is typically activated, signaling citizens to 'seek shelter immediately,' the embassy advised, emphasizing the importance of knowing the nearest shelter location.

'If there is no nearby shelter, remain indoors and keep away from windows and outside walls. If possible, relocate to a ground floor or basement,' advises Crisis 24.

The risk management firm indicates that, in addition to the Gaza Strip, clashes are occurring between Israeli forces and Gaza militants in several southern Israeli communities near the border, including Tel Aviv, Sderot, Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion, and Yavne.