Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel as Visitors Worry About Getting Home

By COLlive reporter

Dozens of flights to and from Tel Aviv were canceled by major airlines after the Palestinian terror group Hamas launched a large-scale attack, stranding holiday tourists in Israel and leaving Israelis abroad scrambling for a way to return home, Times of Israel reported.

American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Ryanair were among those pulling flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Israeli flag carrier El Al said Sunday that it was maintaining its Tel Aviv flights for now, though some flights operated by foreign partners had been canceled.

In a statement, El Al added that it was operating “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces,” with all flights now departing only from Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion airport.

Like most other airlines, it said clients could change their tickets without charge.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hendel, Director of Eshel Hachnosas Orchim, said that he knows of some of the flights of guests that have been canceled, and it is unknown how many will be canceled in the next day or so.

He said that in case the flights do not resume soon, Hachnosas Orchim will continue to assist and host the guests.

Rabbi Tzvi Altein, Director of the Vaad Hatmimim organization, assured as well that “The Vaad Hatmimim will continue to provide for the guests, B’gashmius and B’ruchnius, until they will be able to return to Israel.

“Due to the situation, the Vaad is in need of places for the Bochurim to stay if they need to for a while. If anyone can help with this, please reach out to [email protected],” Altein added.

Dozens of Israelis who were visiting Crown Heights for the Sukkos holiday and serve in the IDF have already left on emergency flights over the last two days, COLlive has learned.

Israelis trying to return home expressed their frustration to media outlets Sunday as their flights were delayed or canceled. Israir and Arkia Airlines have organized rescue flights to return Israelis abroad.

Other airlines suspending flights included Aegean, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Wizz Air, and Air Canada.