Airlines are changing their routes and canceling flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel. This comes after Iran attacked Israel with missiles and drones last Saturday night. The attacks led to the closure of airspace over several Middle Eastern countries, affecting many flights.
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Airlines Change Flight Plans After Middle East Conflict
Over the weekend, countries like Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon also closed their airspace, but these bans were lifted by Sunday, April 14. However, despite the reopening, airlines have not resumed their usual operations. Some are avoiding flying over Iran, which may make some flights longer.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, Delta Airlines announced they would delay resuming their flights from New York to Tel Aviv until June 7. They had stopped these flights in October 2023 but decided to restart after a careful check of security risks.
United Airlines also canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Amman, Jordan, on April 16, focusing on safety. They have, however, continued flights from Newark to Dubai.
Other airlines like American Airlines and EasyJet have also suspended their flights to and from Tel Aviv until late October 2024.
Virgin Atlantic will stop flights to the same destination until early September 2024. Lufthansa, a German airline, has stopped its flights to Tehran and Beirut until April 18 but plans to restart flights to Tel Aviv, Amman, and Erbil on April 16.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has warned airlines to be careful when flying through the airspace above Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries.
Despite these warnings, airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways have begun flying over Iran again. These route changes by airlines do not add much extra travel time, with some flights only extended by a few minutes.
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Two More Airlines Suspend Flights to Israel After Iran's Attack
Following Iran's missile and drone strike on Israel last Saturday, several international airlines, including EasyJet and Wizz Air, have suspended their flights to and from Tel Aviv.
The attack, which involved 360 missiles and drones, was a response to an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
EasyJet has paused its operations in Tel Aviv until April 21, emphasizing passenger and crew safety as its top priority.
"Due to the evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has taken the decision to temporarily pause operations to and from Tel Aviv until 21 April. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority," the airline stated, as per The Guardian.
Wizz Air also canceled flights from Saturday to Monday and plans to resume services on Tuesday, though it warned of potential schedule changes.
Other carriers, including Air Canada, Delta, Iberia, and Lufthansa, have followed suit by suspending flights on Sunday and Monday. The European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have advised airlines to be cautious when flying in Israeli and Iranian airspace.
Meanwhile, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are adjusting their operations, with Virgin Atlantic avoiding Iranian and Israeli airspace altogether.
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