(Boursier.com) — Unlike defense players, air carriers are bearing the brunt of the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel this weekend. A growing number of international airlines have suspended flights to Israel, which declared a state of war following the terrorist movement’s attack, with US authorities advising carriers to monitor the situation before resuming operations.
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines Holdings and American Airlines canceled service to Tel Aviv, as did Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and Wizz Air in Europe. The US Federal Aviation Authority has issued a Notams, or Air Mission Notice, asking operators to review the current safety situation. “Operators are advised to exercise caution,” the FAA said. “Delays are expected, operators should calculate fuel accordingly.”
As ‘Bloomberg’ points out, Virgin Atlantic Airways canceled some of its flights to and from Tel Aviv and said its flight schedule remained under “constant review.” British Airways has for its part planned to operate flights over the coming days with adjusted departure times while the British company has introduced a flexible booking policy allowing customers to change their travel dates free of charge.
In addition to fears of an extension of the conflict, air carriers are also victims of the surge in crude prices, while avoiding Israeli airspace will further complicate the task of operators who already have to bypass many war zones.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has published an ‘information bulletin’ on conflict zones in Israeli airspace. “Air operators are recommended to ensure that a robust risk assessment is in place as well as a high level of contingency planning for their operations and to be prepared to receive short-term instructions from Israeli authorities,” the EASA said.
EASA has issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin for the airspace of Israel. https://t.co/l3vPOD1P6h
— EASA (@EASA), via Twitter
At the end of the session, IAGparent company of British Airways and Iberia, lost 5.4% in London, while Lufthansa returns 4.5% to Frankfurt and thatAir France KLM fall of more than 7% in Paris.
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