In recent months, the cost of air travel to and from Israel has more than doubled. This increase comes as a few international airlines begin to fly to Israel again, after stopping their flights due to a conflict with Hamas in Gaza. These flights are starting up slowly, with fewer schedules, while the demand for tickets is growing. The situation has caused a big rise in ticket prices.
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Air Travel Prices Jump as Flights to Israel Start to Come Back
Since the conflict began on Oct. 7, after an attack by Hamas in southern Israel, almost all big airlines stopped flying to Tel Aviv. This led to a big drop in people traveling by air. But, starting this year, with fewer attacks from Gaza, some airlines have slowly started their Israel routes again. Yet, the number of flights is still much lower than before the conflict, leading to higher prices for air travel.
The increase in air travel costs is due to several reasons. According to The Times of Israel, there are fewer flights available, less competition among airlines, higher insurance costs because of the war, and more people wanting to fly. This situation is tough for travelers and the tourism industry in Israel.
Tourism experts and airline industry leaders are asking the Israeli government for help. They want a plan to encourage more airlines to fly to Israel and to increase the number of flights. This could help lower ticket prices and bring more tourists to the country. Such efforts are seen as important for helping Israel's economy and tourism sector recover after the conflict.
The war has also affected the economy in Israel, with a big drop in the last part of 2023. Now, as air travel to Israel slowly starts to come back, there's hope for a recovery in tourism and the overall economy. However, with ongoing fighting, getting back to normal is challenging. The situation calls for a strategic approach to boost air travel and support the economy.
Related Article: United States DOT Plans to Make Air Travel Easier for Passengers with Disabilities
Air Travel Safety in Focus After Recent Incidents
Recent incidents involving air travel have raised concerns. A Boeing 737 MAX 9 plane had a door issue in midair, and other scary events followed, like a wheel coming off a plane and engines catching fire. Despite these issues, experts say flying is very safe.
Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, a safety professor, says while these events might alarm the public, air travel remains extremely safe. As shared by Wired, millions of flights happen globally without problems, showing the effectiveness of aviation safety measures.
The US hasn't had a fatal air travel accident since 2018, highlighting the industry's safety. The Flight Safety Foundation notes that air travel was the safest way to get around in 2023. This safety record is due to a culture of openness in aviation, where workers can report mistakes without fear.
However, experts caution against complacency. The Flight Safety Foundation's 2023 report warns of a slipping safety culture in air travel, which could lead to issues. Close calls on runways are a particular concern, signaling potential problems.
The industry's focus is on fixing these issues to maintain the US's excellent air travel safety record. Continuous improvement and addressing technology and staffing needs are vital for keeping flying safe for everyone.
Read Also: Air Travel Set for Big Rise in 2024, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
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