Following rocket attacks by Hamas militants from Gaza into Israel on Saturday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement early Saturday morning, declaring a “state of readiness for conflict.”
Is Travel To Israel Suspended?
Travel to Israel isn’t suspended but it’s very limited at the moment. Most of the airlines are canceling flights to and from Tel Aviv airport.
However, airport authorities did not stop commercial air links with Eilat, Israel’s second international airport and tourist destination on the Red Sea.
On Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), cautioning U.S. airlines and pilots to exercise care when operating in Israeli airspace. The advisory highlights a “potentially hazardous situation” and strongly recommends that operators exercise utmost caution.
Major Airlines Canceling Flights
United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have jointly stated that they are temporarily halting operations for flights to and from the international airport situated near Tel Aviv.
“Future operations at TLV will be suspended until conditions allow them to resume,” said United to CBS News.
“We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed,” stated American Airlines.
Delta Air Lines stated it was “working to safely transport Delta people back to the U.S. and will work with the U.S. government as needed to assist with the repatriation of U.S. citizens who want to return home.”
Also canceling flights were Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair and Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa, Brussels Airline, Air France, Transavia, Iberia Express, ITA Airways.
U.S. State Department Travel Advisory
The U.S. State Department is recommending heightened vigilance for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel or the West Bank due to concerns about “terrorism and civil unrest.” For Gaza, a “do not travel” advisory is in effect.
In a recent update on Sunday, the department emphasized the ongoing unpredictability of the situation, with the possibility of mortar and rocket attacks occurring suddenly and without advance notice.