By KTA News Team |
Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport resumed operations at 7:30 a.m. local time after being shut down due to security concerns. However, travellers were advised to expect delays and cancellations as airlines worked to stabilize their flight schedules. El Al, Israel’s flagship carrier, assured passengers of its commitment to maintaining crucial air connections to and from the country.
Air travel in the Middle East faced turbulence as Israeli airspace reopened following a series of overnight attacks involving Iranian missiles and drones. Israeli airlines reported a return to normal operations on Sunday, but with significant disruptions lingering.
The impact of the airspace closure rippled across various airlines. El Al and other Israeli carriers canceled numerous flights to destinations in Europe, Dubai, and Moscow. Even flights en route from distant locations like Bangkok and Phuket were forced to turn back. Arkia, a smaller Israeli airline, scrambled to adjust its schedules after initially postponing flights to Athens, Milan, and Geneva.
Foreign carriers also felt the pinch, with many experiencing delays. Wizz Air postponed its Sunday flight to London, while Air India’s New Delhi service and Iberia’s Madrid route were affected. Air France faced disruptions on its Marseille route. However, some flights managed to depart, including El Al’s services to key European cities and Ethiopian Airlines’ flight to Addis Ababa.
The repercussions extended beyond Israel’s immediate airspace. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways canceled flights to both Jordan and Israel, citing safety concerns. Swiss International Air Lines took precautionary measures by suspending Tel Aviv flights until further notice. Lufthansa-owned Swiss rerouted its planes to avoid airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel, causing additional delays on routes from India and Singapore.
Despite the challenges, neighboring countries gradually reopened their airspaces. Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon lifted restrictions after initially closing them in response to the security situation. However, United Airlines faced its own setback, canceling a planned flight from Newark to Tel Aviv due to ongoing airspace restrictions. Notably, United remains the sole major U.S. carrier to have resumed flights to Israel following previous security incidents.
As the region navigates these disruptions, airlines and passengers alike remain vigilant amidst ongoing security concerns. The recent events serve as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape that shapes air travel in the Middle East.
