Brit holidaymakers face cancelled flights & longer journeys following ‘biggest single air travel disruption since 9/11’
An aviation expert has revealed how long the disruptions are expected to last
Brit holidaymakers are being warned to expect cancelled flights and longer plane journeys following the "biggest single disruption to air travel since 9/11".
The disruption follows an attack from Iran on Israel with 300 missiles and drones, following claims Israel attacked its consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.
Yesterday Israel closed its airspace following the attack, along with Lebanon and Iraq although they have since reopened.
Iran’s airspace is used by airlines travelling between Europe and Asia, with many choosing to redirect flights to avoid the airspace.
This means airlines will instead have to travel through Turkey or Egypt instead.
Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP, which monitors airspace and airports, said it was the biggest single disruption to air travel since the attack on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.
He told Reuters: "Not since then have we had a situation with that many different air spaces closed down in that quick succession, and that creates chaos."
He warned the disruptions are expected to last for the next couple of days.
The cancellations primarily affected anyone travelling to and from Israel and Jordan over the weekend with airlines including Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways cancelling flights.
While many have resumed today, they have warned passengers to expect a "knock on affect".
It’s not just flight cancellations that will affect Brits, however.
A number of airlines are also being forced to change flight paths to avoid flying over Iranian airspace.
This will mean flights take longer, which will mainly affect UK-Asia routes.
The following airlines are still being affected by flight cancellations and delays:
- KLM - flights to and from Tel Aviv cancelled until tomorrow
- Air Canada - flights to and from Tel Aviv cancelled until tomorrow
- EasyJet - flights to and from Tel Aviv cancelled until April 21
- Iberia Express - flights to and from Tel Aviv cancelled today
- Wizz Air - flights to and from Tel Aviv cancelled until tomorrow
- Lufthansa - flights to and from Tel Aviv cancelled until Thursday
- Qantas - flights between London and Perth rerouted, with new stopover in Singapore
- Finnair - flights rerouted over Egypt rather than Iran, with flights to Doha taking longer
Some airlines are yet to resume flights to Tel Aviv.
An easyJet spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "Due to the evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has taken the decision to temporarily pause operations to and from Tel Aviv until 21 April.
"Customers on affected flights have been contacted directly via SMS and email via the details provided at the time of booking.
"The safety and security of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority."
Wizz Air is to resume flights tomorrow to Tel Aviv but warns passengers to expect "some schedule changes".
Ryanair has confirmed planes to resume flights to Tel Aviv in June.
British Airways resumed flights to Israel earlier this month, albeit with a Cyprus stopover to avoid staff staying in Tel Aviv.
Virgin Atlantic confirmed it won’t return to Israel until September, although said they are "not currently flying over Iranian airspace".
The UK Foreign Office has also updated it’s travel advice for anyone heading to Israel.
Areas near Gaza, the West Bank and northern Israel are advised against all travel, while the rest of the country is advised against unless essential.
We’ve explained how to claim compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
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