Title: Dozens of Flights Canceled as Hamas Launches Large-Scale Attack
Introduction:
Dozens of flights to and from Tel Aviv were canceled by major airlines over the weekend as the Palestinian terror group Hamas launched a large-scale attack. The attack left holiday tourists stranded in Israel and Israelis abroad scrambling for a way to return home. Airport authorities continued commercial air links with Israel’s second international airport in Eilat, while El Al, the Israeli flag carrier, maintained its Tel Aviv flights with some cancellations from foreign partners.
Cancellation of Flights:
Major airlines such as American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Ryanair canceled flights to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The decision was made in response to the security situation caused by Hamas’ attack. However, flights to Eilat were not affected, allowing tourists to continue visiting the popular Red Sea tourist destination.
El Al’s Response:
Israeli flag carrier El Al announced that it would continue operating its Tel Aviv flights for the time being, although some flights operated by foreign partners were canceled. El Al stated that it was following the instructions of Israeli security forces and all flights were now departing only from Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion airport. The airline also offered clients the flexibility to change their tickets without any additional charges.
Challenges Faced by Israelis:
Israeli citizens trying to return home expressed their frustration as their flights were either delayed or canceled. Israir and Arkia Airlines organized rescue flights to bring Israelis back from abroad. Passengers described their ordeal, with delays and uncertainty surrounding their return. One passenger, Ofir Fahima, recounted his experience waiting for a rescue flight in Athens, Greece, claiming that a foreign crew was unwilling to take them to Israel.
International Airlines’ Response:
Numerous international airlines responded to the security situation by canceling their Tel Aviv flights. Lufthansa and its subsidiary Brussels Airlines canceled flights until Monday due to the current security situation. Air France halted all Tel Aviv flights until further notice, and the Air France-KLM group’s low-cost carrier, Transavia, canceled flights from Paris and Lyon to Tel Aviv until Monday. Iberia Express, ITA Airways, LOT, Aegean, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Wizz Air, and Air Canada also suspended flights to Tel Aviv.
Ongoing Combat between Israel and Hamas:
The flight cancellations occurred amidst ongoing combat between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists inside Israel. Hamas fighters infiltrated the country in a coordinated attack, resulting in the deaths of over 600 people. Rocket barrages targeted areas around Tel Aviv, including some close to the airport. As of Sunday morning, Israeli security forces were still working to clear entrenched terrorist cells within devastated communities.
Conclusion:
The cancellation of dozens of flights to and from Tel Aviv due to the Hamas attack has left tourists stranded in Israel and Israelis abroad struggling to return home. Major airlines responded to the security situation by suspending their services, while El Al and other airlines organized rescue flights. The ongoing combat between Israeli forces and Hamas continues to pose challenges not only to air travel but also to the safety of Israeli communities.