Summary
- American Airlines pilots have been advised to not fly to Israel from their union.
- Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv has been reported as a selected goal, leading several airlines to cancel flights.
- US carriers, including American, Delta, and United, have halted flights to Israel and offered travel waivers for affected passengers.
The union representing pilots at Fort Value, Texas-based American Airlines is warning its members to not fly to Israel out of safety concerns on account of the continued war between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza. It comes after Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv has been reportedly announced as a selected goal.
Several airlines, including all US-based carriers, have canceled flights to TLV. Video on social media shows some passengers stranded on the airport, taking cover on account of the continued crisis.
Safety and security concerns
Ed Sicher, the President of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the union that represents American’s pilots, sent an email to members advising them to refrain from flying to Israel until of safety and security within the region, in keeping with ABC News. Last week, the US State Department warned that the present situation in Israel is unpredictable.
“Terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other violent extremists proceed plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and native government facilities.”
Sicher cited the State Department’s advisory, provided that mortar and rocket attacks which might be dangerous threats to aircraft can occur at any time by surprise.
the APA President said.
Photo: Santi Rodriguez I Shutterstock
Easy Flying contacted the APA for comment on Monday but didn’t receive a right away response.
Taking cover on the airport
On Saturday, passengers who had just arrived at TLV were seen taking cover after a surprise attack by Hamas militants struck Israel.
the State Department explained.
In line with Reuters, major international airlines have suspended or scaled back flights to or from TLV and are waiting for the security conditions to enhance. Around half of the airport’s scheduled flights reportedly didn’t operate on Sunday, with 1,100 total cancelations. Nearly 20,000 flights were delayed on Sunday, in keeping with FlightAware. As of 17:00 EST on Monday, TLV reported 1,021 cancelations and 17,000 delays.
US carriers halt flights
American suspended direct flights to TLV on Sunday together with Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines and Chicago-based United Airlines after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reportedly urged US airlines to exercise caution when flying in Israeli airspace.
Photo: Abdul N Quraishi – Abs | Shutterstock
In line with Live and Let’s Fly, American operated an additional flight to evacuate crews, employees, and family. The airline canceled AA145 from TLV to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Latest York on account of the conflict on Saturday. It operated AA9602 as a substitute from TLV to JFK with working crew members and non-rev employees onboard. The flight, operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, departed TLV at 21:50 local time and arrived at JFK at 01:56 on Sunday.
American, Delta, and United have issued travel waivers to affected passengers, allowing them to rebook their flights, in keeping with USA TODAY. United’s waiver also reportedly covers flights to and from Amman, Jordan.