Aviation Update: Airlines Canceling Flights to Israel

Against the backdrop of rising security tensions and preparations for potential escalation in the war against Iran, several European airlines have announced the cancellation of flights to and from Israel. The Italian airline ITA, part of the Lufthansa Group, reported on Saturday that it is suspending its flights until Tuesday, citing “political reasons” for the decision.

Austrian Airlines has also joined the list of carriers canceling flights, having scrapped several services to the country scheduled for today. Meanwhile, flights operated by Germany’s Lufthansa continue to run as scheduled.

Yiftach Ron Tal, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority, addressed concerns regarding aviation stability during this sensitive security period in a recent interview on the “Be-HaTzi HaYom” program on Kan News. He noted that operations at Ben-Gurion Airport are in a recovery trend, with daily passenger volumes reaching approximately 90,000.

According to Airports Authority data, more than 2 million passengers are expected to pass through Ben-Gurion Airport in July, marking a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth follows the reopening of Terminal 1 for international flights and a gradual return to routine operations following Operation “Shaagat Ha’ari.” Approximately 230,000 passengers are expected to pass through the terminal on international flights throughout July.

Preparations for the summer season involve coordination with the security establishment, the expansion of flight offerings, and the relocation of some American aircraft from Ben-Gurion Airport to facilitate broader operational capacity. Simultaneously, the government recently approved a compensation mechanism for Israeli airlines of up to 55 million shekels to cover losses from empty flights operated during the recent security operation.