Low-cost carrier easyJet has now moved to suspend all flights to Tel Aviv until October. The flight suspensions follow increased tensions in the region with the launching of an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel.
Stability in the region was further threatened by Iranian action on the weekend. Iran launched approximately 360 armed drones and missiles at Israel.
This came as a retaliatory measure for an attack believed to be carried out by Israeli aircraft. The air strike was made two weeks ago on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
Tel Aviv had temporarily closed its airspace late last Saturday in anticipation of the incoming Iranian missile attack.
easyJet Flight Suspensions
The increased tensions prompted the decision by easyJet to suspend services for the coming six months. The airline had only recently resumed its flight services to Tel Aviv.
easyJet has now confirmed that its Israel flight services will be suspended until 27 October. The airline has now issued a confirming statement:
“As a result of the continued evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has now taken the decision to suspend its flights to Tel Aviv for the remainder of the summer season.”
For those who had already booked services before the announcement of cancellations, the airline will provide support.
“Customers booked to fly on this route up to this date are being offered options. This includes a full refund,” the carrier advised.
EASA Advisory to Commercial Operators
The European aviation regulator EASA issued an advisory on the weekend. The regulator called for airline operators to exercise caution when flying in Israeli and Iranian airspace.
It made a further recommendation advising against the conduct of flights at lower altitudes in Iraq and Syria.
“The European Commission and EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any potential safety risks for EU aircraft operators and be ready to act as appropriate,” a statement said.
Other Airlines Affected
In addition to easyJet’s service suspensions, other airlines have now taken similar precautionary action.
Last week Qantas advised the suspension of its direct Perth to London long-haul service. The direct route operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner transited through Iranian airspace.
Fuel considerations for the aircraft meant that a dogleg diversion around that airspace wasn’t possible. As a result, Qantas will now fly an adjusted route via Singapore.
German carrier Lufthansa had pre-emptively extended a suspension on its Tehran services. It’s flights to Tehran and Beirut are now cancelled until at least 18 April.
Wizz Air has restarted Israeli flight services from six airports in March. It cancelled flights over the weekend from last Saturday through Monday as a safety measure, due to be Iranian missile attack.
Other airlines including Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have indicated that they are now monitoring the situation closely.
Major low-cost carrier Ryanair is set to resume flight services to Israel from a number of European destinations from 2 June 2024. This is set to coincide with the reopening of Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 1 facility, which is favoured by low-cost airlines.
Flight movements from the Terminal 1 facility have been suspended since the outbreak of the Israel Gaza crisis on October 7, 2023.
The situation in the Middle East remains fluid, and further changes and updates are likely to occur in the near future.
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