Ryanair suspends flights to Tel Aviv until August
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Ryanair cancels 200,000 bookings after extending its suspension of flights to "Tel Aviv" through August due to escalating regional security tensions.
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Travelers check departing flights at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, Tuesday, December 31, 2024 (AP)
Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, announced the extension of its suspension of all flights to Tel Aviv until August 1, citing the continued deterioration in the security situation across the occupied territories and surrounding regions.
According to media reports, the latest decision has resulted in the cancellation of approximately 200,000 bookings, sparking concern among travelers who had planned to visit the Israeli-occupied territories during the summer season.
This move comes after Ryanair had already halted its operations in occupied Palestine earlier this year. The airline stated that it continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with relevant authorities, stressing that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.
Safety concerns cause shift
The decision follows a significant escalation in regional hostilities, particularly in and around the occupied Palestinian territories, which has led to widespread disruptions at Ben Gurion International Airport. A growing number of international carriers have suspended or reduced their flight schedules to and from Tel Aviv due to heightened risks.
In its statement, Ryanair reaffirmed its commitment to providing support for affected customers, offering either full refunds or alternative travel arrangements. The airline urged passengers to stay updated via official communication channels for the latest developments.
The suspension by Ryanair further underscores the deepening impact of the security crisis on the aviation and tourism sectors linked to the Israeli regime. Several other airlines have also announced alterations to their flight plans.
Airlines suspend flights to 'Israel'
British Airways has extended its suspension of flights to and from "Israel" through July 31, citing persistent security risks following a missile strike from Yemen near Ben Gurion Airport earlier this month, as well as repeated missile launches that bring air traffic to a halt. The UK carrier had previously paused operations until mid-June, but ongoing instability has prompted a longer delay.
The decision comes in the aftermath of the May 4 incident, when a ballistic missile bypassed Israeli air defenses and struck near Terminal 3’s control tower, landing just a few hundred meters from a critical access road. The event raised immediate concerns about aviation security in "Israel", prompting numerous international airlines to reevaluate their routes. Meanwhile, many major airlines remain cautious.
The following carriers have extended their "Israel" flight cancellations:
- Air France, LOT Polish Airlines: Suspended through May 26
- Iberia (Spain): Suspended through May 31
- airBaltic (Latvia): Suspended through June 2
- ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings: Suspended through June 8
- Ryanair: Suspended through June 11
- United Airlines: Suspended through June 12
- Air India: Suspended through June 19
