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Israel Faces Travel Disruptions Amid Heightened Tensions
Explore the impact of escalating tensions in Israel on travel plans, as disruptions affect both locals and tourists. Stay informed about the latest updates and insights on navigating these challenging conditions.
Israel Faces Uncertainty Amid Heightened Tensions
As Israel entered a new workweek on Sunday, the atmosphere was thick with anxiety and uncertainty. The country braced itself for potential retaliatory attacks from Iran and its allied militant groups, which have already begun to disrupt the lives of many residents.
A significant number of international airlines have temporarily suspended their flights to and from Israel, a precautionary measure in light of anticipated reprisals against the nation. This has left tens of thousands of Israelis stranded abroad, according to an official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
Among the airlines halting services are major carriers such as Delta, United, the Lufthansa group, and Aegean Airlines. Their decision came shortly after the assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a targeted strike in Beirut on Tuesday, followed by the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh early Wednesday in Tehran. Observers fear that these retaliatory actions could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged citizens currently traveling abroad to complete an online survey. This initiative aims to help the government track the whereabouts of its citizens and explore potential solutions, including organizing alternative commercial flights. Most Israelis stranded abroad are believed to be in Europe and the United States.
Israel’s national airline, El Al, along with its subsidiaries, is actively working to increase the number of flights to bring stranded citizens back home. However, their efforts are constrained, as during the peak summer season, Israeli airlines were already operating at full capacity. Many travelers had embarked on what they thought would be brief vacations, and now they are anxious to return to their families, jobs, and lives in Israel, despite the looming threats.
Officials are advising those stuck abroad to consider making their way to nearby hubs, such as Athens and Cyprus, which are relatively short flights away, in hopes of finding a way back home swiftly.