ANKARA, Aug 3 — Airlines from the United States, Europe and Asia have suspended flights to Israel and Lebanon, citing security concerns following recent developments in the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Agency (AA), the decision follows Wednesday’s assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Expected retaliation from Iran against Israel has heightened security risks, impacting airline operations.
United Airlines, which operates 14 weekly flights between New York and Israel, has suspended flights to Israel until August 6.
The US Delta Airlines also suspended flights to Israel, and British Airways cancelled its flights to the country on Wednesday.
Swiss International Air Lines suspended flights between Zurich and Tel Aviv until at least August 8, citing the safety of crew and passengers. Also, the suspension of Zurich-Beirut flights, initially set to end on July 29, has been extended to August 12.
German airline Lufthansa announced it had suspended flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv until August 8 and August 12, respectively, due to security concerns.
The airline said it would monitor the situation on the ground to determine when flights can resume.
Air India also cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv until August 8, citing security concerns.
ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, announced that flights to and from Tel Aviv are suspended until August 6 “due to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and to ensure the safety of its passengers and crews”.
Poland’s national airline LOT cancelled eight flights to Lebanon and Israel scheduled for August 3-4, according to Polish news agency PAP.
Dutch airline KLM also cancelled all its flights to and from Israel until October 26.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) said it would avoid Iranian airspace due to rising Mideast tensions.
The suspensions come amid rising tensions and the potential for a broader conflict between Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group on one side and Israel on the other.