Passengers look at a departure board at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on October 7, 2023, as flights are canceled because of the Hamas surprise attacks.
Gil Cohen-magen | AFP | Getty Images
Several airlines suspended service to Israel this weekend after surprise attacks by Hamas and Israeli retaliation left hundreds dead.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines each scrubbed service to Tel Aviv. United Flight 954, which departed San Francisco Friday night for Israel, turned back near Greenland, according to flight-tracker FlightAware.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday sent a notice to pilots stating “operators are advised to exercise extreme caution when operating” in the Tel Aviv area because of the attacks.
On Sunday, United said that “our Tel Aviv flights will remain suspended until conditions allow them to resume.”
American and Delta flights scheduled for early this week were also canceled.
Lufthansa Group said all of its flights, including those on Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines, were suspended into Tel Aviv through Monday.
“We are continuously monitoring the security situation in Israel and are in close contact with the authorities,” Lufthansa said in a statement. “The safety of our guests and crew members has top priority for Lufthansa.”
British Airways also canceled flights this weekend and reduced service early in the week. Air France said its Tel Aviv service was canceled “until further notice,” while European budget airlines Wizz and easyJet flights to Tel Aviv were canceled through at least Monday.
Israeli airline El Al said Sunday that its flights are “operated as scheduled.” Emirates Airline also continued to operate flights between Tel Aviv to Dubai.
El Al and other carriers also offered travel waivers for customers to delay or cancel their trips.
