Major U.S. airlines are halting flights to Israel as Middle East tensions rise following Israeli strikes on top terrorist leaders.
This move highlights the growing concern about regional stability and its impact on air travel.
United Airlines stopped its daily Newark to Tel Aviv service on Wednesday.
The airline said it’s suspending flights “for security reasons” while it assesses the situation.
United emphasized that passenger and crew safety is guiding their decisions.
Delta Air Lines followed suit, canceling New York to Tel Aviv flights through Friday, August 2.
BREAKING π¨
United Airlines is suspending flights to Israel no date to return. pic.twitter.com/rtQIILXZjA
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 1, 2024
The airline is notifying affected passengers through its app and using contact details from reservations.
These flight changes come after two significant events.
On Tuesday night, Israel reportedly killed Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s top leader, in Iran. Haniyeh had previously praised Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 dead.
Earlier that day, Israel eliminated Fuad Shukr, described as Hezbollah’s most senior military commander.
The situation remains tense. Iran’s Supreme Leader has reportedly ordered a strike on Israel in response to Haniyeh’s death.
Here is Haniyeh, the leader of HMS who was BBQed by Israel overnight, calling for the use of women, children and the elderly as human shields.pic.twitter.com/ibRUi4EntX
— Marina Medvin πΊπΈ (@MarinaMedvin) July 31, 2024
For airlines, these developments pose serious operational challenges.
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Flight suspensions to Israel may continue or expand if the conflict escalates.
Israel supporters are mobbed by a Palestinian crowd in NYC. The Israeli supporter uses pepper spray in self defense. @NYPDnews arrested the Israeli supporting victim for defending herself, not the mob.pic.twitter.com/rLWl6sPfjJ
— Marina Medvin πΊπΈ (@MarinaMedvin) August 1, 2024