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Air Travel Disrupted as Israel Faces Escalating Conflict with Hamas
Israel-Hamas War: Amidst an unexpected large-scale attack by Hamas on Israel, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a stern warning to U.S. airlines and pilots, urging "extreme caution" when flying through Israeli airspace.
This comes as Israel declares a "state of war" and intensifies its strikes against Hamas cells and military targets. The situation remains dire in southern Israel as clashes persist between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.
Air India has promptly responded to the situation, canceling its flights to and from Tel Aviv in the interests of passenger and crew safety. The affected flights include AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv and the return flight AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi. Passengers are being provided with comprehensive support tailored to their needs.
This move by Air India aligns with the FAA's updated Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) statement, which advises airlines and pilots to exercise extreme caution regardless of their flight altitude while traversing Israeli airspace. The advisory follows Hamas' unexpected large-scale attack on Israel.
In solidarity with these precautions, several major international airlines have also decided to suspend flights to and from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have temporarily halted operations, expressing concerns about passenger safety in the current volatile situation. Brussels Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, joined the list of cancellations, and Lufthansa itself has canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Air France, Emirates, Ryanair, and Aegean Airlines have also suspended their Tel Aviv flights following the attack.
With the escalating crisis, the Indian Embassy in Israel has issued a vital advisory to Indian citizens residing in the region. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols as instructed by local authorities. In light of the ongoing situation, Indian nationals are urged to exercise caution, limit unnecessary movements, and stay close to safety shelters.
Israel is home to approximately 18,000 Indian citizens, representing a diverse array of professions, including caregivers, diamond traders, IT professionals, and students. However, the crisis has disrupted normalcy, with most commercial flights to and from Tel Aviv airport being canceled.
For Indian citizens residing in Palestine, the Indian government has activated a 24-hour emergency helpline. This helpline is intended to provide assistance and support during these tumultuous times. The contact details for the helpline are as follows: Jawwal - 0592 916418, WhatsApp - +97059291641.
The Indian Embassy also recommends that all Indians in Israel familiarize themselves with the "preparedness brochure" provided by the Israeli Home Front Command. This brochure offers essential guidance on how to respond effectively to emergencies in the region.
As tensions continue to escalate in the area, authorities and airlines alike are prioritizing safety above all else, leaving many travelers impacted by these unfortunate circumstances.
