Major airlines suspend flights to Israel as violence and war erupt in region

09 October 2023 , 13:02

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Major airlines have cancelled flights to Israel, with many people now stuck trying to find a way out of the country as violence breaks out (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A number of major US airlines have suspended all flights to Israel after a brutal attack by Hamas fighters escalated into devastating violence.

American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have all suspended service to Israel after the nation declared war following the attack by Hamas. It comes as the US State Department has issued travel advisories for the region citing the potential for terrorism and civil unrest.

American Airlines has suspended service to Tel Aviv through to Friday. The airline said it has issued a travel alert providing additional flexibility for customers whose travel plans are impacted. A spokesperson said: "We continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed."

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Passengers wait at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on October 7, 2023, as flights are cancelled (AFP via Getty Images)

United Airlines said it allowed two scheduled flights out of Tel Aviv late on Saturday and early on Sunday and accommodated its customers, crews and employee travellers who were at the airport. The airline said its Tel Aviv flights will continue to be suspended until conditions improve.

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Meanwhile, Delta said its Tel Avis flights have been cancelled into this week. The airline said it's monitoring the situation and making schedule adjustments accordingly. Anyone with cancelled flights or who wants to change their Tel Aviv ticket should check the Delta app, or website, or call Delta Reservations to adjust their tickets.

Nine Americans have been killed in Israel, according to the State Department. Government spokesman Matthew Miller said: "We are in close contact with these deceased Americans and are offering their families any consular support we can provide."

Despite violence seeming to have died down slightly on Monday morning, the US Department of State warned: "The situation in Israel remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning. Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials...

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have all cancelled filghts (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)

"While Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, we are aware that several major airlines have announced that they have suspended flights. Please check with the airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. US citizens in Gaza who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt."

A security alert from the US Embassy in Jerusalem, dated October 9, reads: "US citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning. US citizens should monitor news outlets and follow advice from local security and emergency response officials to increase their security awareness and remain safe.

"US Embassy personnel must observe a curfew from 8pm - 6am and are urged to stay as close to home as possible outside the curfew hours. US government personnel are prohibited from personal travel to the West Bank until further notice."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement on Sunday that he had been informed that at least four Americans had died in an unclassified briefing by the Acting Deputy Secretary of State Toria Nuland and Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Polciy Sasha Baker. However, he added the death toll will likely climb higher as violence continues.

Passengers at the Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, watched as more and more flights were cancelled due to the Hamas attacks (AFP via Getty Images)

"The viciousness and brutality of this unprecedented attack from Hamas targeting innocent civilians - children, families, seniors - is overwhelming and heart wrenching," said Mr Schumer. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the government was making it a major priority to verify information regarding the deaths of Americans and rescue any US hostages.

Israel's minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, said there were American citizens among those who had been taken captive on Sunday. However, no details were given about them at the time, nor about any Americans who may have been killed.

"Unfortunately I can't [give details]," he told CNN. "We have a lot of dual citizens in Israel, I suspect there are several, but we're still trying to sort through all of this information after this horrific surprise attack and we'll make sure to put that information out so that the loved ones of these people who were killed and who are held hostage, they know as quickly as possible."

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The US State Department has issued a travel warning for anyone in, or planning to travel to, Israel (AFP via Getty Images)

The announcement from the major airlines comes as the Israeli government has promised to hunt down Hamas fighters and punish the Gaza Strip following the surprise weekend attack that killed more than 700 people in Israel, including 260 people at a crowded music festival which became the scene of one of the country's worst civilian massacres. On Sunday night, Israeli officials declared war and gave the green light for "significant military steps" to retaliate against Hamas, with the Israeli military attempting to crush fighters in southern towns and intensifying its bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy “the military and governing capabilities” of the militant group, which is deeply rooted in Gaza. As Israel hit more than 1,000 targets in Gaza and its tanks and drones guarded openings in the border fence to prevent more infiltrations, Palestinian militants continued firing barrages of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a "complete siege" on Gaza, saying authorities would cut off electricity and block the entry of food and fuel. Israel and Egypt have imposed various levels of blockades on the territory since Hamas seized control from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. Using the dehumanising language often employed by both sides in times of rising tensions, Mr Gallant said Israel was at war with "human animals".

Fiona Leishman