'Israel’s' main airport sees 43% drop in traffic amid escalations
2 Min Read
Since the outbreak of the war on Gaza, several airlines have frequently suspended and resumed flights to "Israel" on short notice, marking a significant drop in passenger traffic.
-
Two planes are parked at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, 'Israel', on September 2, 2024. (AP)
Passenger traffic at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport dropped by 43% during the first nine months of 2024 due to the escalations and war on the Gaza and northern front after October 7, which led many airlines to scale back or withdraw flights.
According to the airport authority, the airport served 10.85 million international passengers from January to September, a decrease from 19.01 million in 2023.
With foreign airlines providing fewer services, more travelers are choosing Israeli carriers, which have seen traffic increase by up to 25%, according to the authority.
Since the outbreak of the war on Gaza, several airlines have frequently suspended and resumed flights to "Israel" on short notice. The escalations have further disrupted regional air traffic.
For instance, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has advised commercial jets to avoid Palestinian and Lebanese airspace, leading several airlines to cease flights to both countries.
On that note, carriers operating in the region are now required to take longer routes, utilizing Egyptian and Saudi Arabian airspace to avoid potential flashpoints.
Late last month, Israeli media reported that "operations at Ben Gurion Airport halted following a missile attack toward central Israel".
Earlier in August, a wave of panic and concern swept across the Israeli occupation following a series of military operations launched by Hezbollah in direct retaliation for the Israeli occupation's aggression on Beirut's Southern Suburb and the assassination of senior commander Fouad Shokor.
In response to Hezbollah's sweeping military operations, Israeli authorities swiftly imposed a series of restrictions across occupied Palestine.
The situation significantly impacted air travel, with scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv being delayed. Furthermore, Ben Gurion Airport, the Israeli occupation's primary international gateway, was shut down for both landings and take-offs due to escalating security concerns.
