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FAA Urges Caution for Flights Amid Escalating Conflict in Israel
The FAA has urged U.S. airlines and pilots to “use caution” when flying in Israeli airspace following an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants from Gaza into Israel. This conflict has resulted in over a thousand fatalities and thousands more injured.
Current Situation:
- Casualties: At least 1,200 people have died, and 2,900 are injured in Israel. In Gaza, 1,417 people, including 447 children and 248 women, have been killed, with about 6,268 others injured due to Israeli retaliatory airstrikes.
- Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department elevated its advisory for Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (“reconsider travel”) due to “terrorism and civil unrest” and maintains a “do not travel” advisory for Gaza.
- FAA Notices: The FAA issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) urging caution and describing the situation as “potentially hazardous.” The updated NOTAM on Tuesday clarified that there are currently no restrictions on U.S. certificated airmen or operators flying into or out of Israel.
- European Response: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) recommending air operators ensure robust risk assessments and contingency planning for operations in Israeli airspace.
Airline Operations:
- Suspended Flights: All major U.S. airlines and several foreign carriers have suspended services to and from Israel. Specific suspensions include:
- American Airlines: Flights canceled through Dec. 4.
- Delta Air Lines: Flights suspended until the end of October.
- United Airlines: Flights suspended until conditions improve.
- Air Canada: Flights canceled through Friday.
- Air France, British Airways, KLM: Flights suspended until further notice.
- Wizz Air, EasyJet, ITA, Ryanair, Norwegian Air, Finnair: Canceled flights through various dates.
- Gulf Air, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines: Suspended flights for specified periods.
- Continuing Operations: El Al continues flights, operating per Israeli security forces’ instructions. flydubai’s flights are on schedule, and Hainan Airlines plans limited round-trip flights.
Assistance for U.S. Citizens:
- The U.S. State Department will arrange chartered flights for American citizens in Israel, starting Friday, to transport them to European sites.
- U.S. citizens in Israel are advised to follow local government advice and check the status of border crossings or flights before heading to Ben Gurion Airport. Assistance can be requested via the crisis intake form to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Source: ABC News
