EU Suspends Flights to Israel Amid Security Concerns
The European Union has officially recommended that airlines suspend flights to Israel until October 31 due to escalating tensions and fears of military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah. This decision follows the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, which has heightened concerns over the safety of air travel in the region. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has noted a general escalation in airstrikes and a deterioration in the security situation, impacting the safety of airspace over both Israel and Lebanon.
The recommendation has led to widespread cancellations of flights from various European airlines, with Air France and Wizz Air extending their cancellations until October 13 and October 15, respectively. Other airlines, such as Azerbaijan Airlines and British Airways, have also announced flight suspensions through the end of October. Despite Israel's advanced air defense systems at Ben Gurion Airport, the EU's caution places it on similar footing as Beirut airport regarding safety concerns.
Efforts by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority to negotiate with EASA to lift the flight suspension have so far been unsuccessful. While some airlines have chosen to cancel flights, TOS Airways, a Cypriot airline partly owned by Israeli investors, has resumed its flights to Israel after facing pressure from stakeholders. The ongoing situation continues to evolve as airlines monitor the security landscape closely.
