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Fri, Nov 22, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 20, 1446 | DXB
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Israel-Palestine conflict: Emirates suspends all flights to Tel Aviv until October 20
The airline will operate its last service between UAE and Israel today
Emirates has announced the suspension of all flights to and from Tel Aviv starting October 13 until October 20, the Dubai-based airline said on Thursday.
The airline’s last flight operation will be EK932 departing Tel Aviv to Dubai on October 12. Customers with onward connections to Tel Aviv will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Israel and are in close contact with the relevant authorities. The safety of our customers, crew and stakeholders is our number one priority,” Emirates underscored in its statement.
The airline also advised affected travellers to contact their booking agents for alternative flight itineraries or refunds. Change and cancellation charges will be waived for tickets issued on or before October 11, for travel until November 30 this year.
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Fluid situation
Due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine, the situation in the country is volatile and UAE-based carriers are adjusting their flight operations.
Emirates initially announced on Wednesday reducing its flight operations to and from Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) from three return flights to one daily beginning on Friday, October 13, until October 31.
Another Dubai carrier, flydubai, which operates four return flights daily, also announced reduced operations to and from Israel for more than two weeks.
An airline spokesperson told Khaleej Times on Wedneday: “From October 13, until October 31, flydubai will consolidate its flight schedule to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and will operate two daily flights FZ 1549/1550 and FZ 1209/1210 .
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are liaising with the relevant authorities regarding the ongoing developments,” added the flydubai spokesperson.
Flights from Abu Dhabi
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has postponed all flights to and from Tel Aviv on October 11.
A spokesperson for Etihad Airways, meanwhile, has confirmed flights EY593/EY594 between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) have resumed services from Wednesday.
Security concerns
Many international airlines have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv.
On Wednesday, British Airways suspended all of its flights to Tel Aviv after it diverted a flight from London back to Britain due to security concerns in Israel.
According to reports, Virgin Atlantic also said it will halt all flights to and from Tel Aviv for the next 72 hours, citing the safety of passengers and crew.
Air France also earlier announced suspending services to and from Tel Aviv "until further notice". Lufthansa, Ryanair, Aegan Airlines and some US carriers have also pulled flights. Air India also cancelled their flights, according to ANI.
Aviation authorities have cautioned airlines flying into Israel but haven't grounded any flights. Industry and security experts, however, have warned “the current airspace situation was risky due to ongoing rocket attacks”.
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Angel Tesorero
Angel Tesorero is Assistant Editor and designated funny guy in the newsroom, but dead serious about writing on transport, labour migration, and environmental issues. He's a food lover too.
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