The ongoing war in Gaza and Iran’s barrage of missiles and drones into Israel this week have disrupted travel to the Middle East.
United Airlines, the only U.S. carrier still flying to Israel, announced on April 15 that is suspending its flights to Tel Aviv until at least May 1. “We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on upcoming flights with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews,” the airline said in a statement. Refunds will be offered to travelers who had booked April flights to Israel.
Several other international airlines have suspended flights to Israel; some have also rerouted flight paths in order to avoid potential conflict zones. Israel’s national airline, El Al, continues to fly from the U.S. to Israel, however.
State Department Warning to Israel, Gaza
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued an updated alert on April 11 advising Americans to increase their personal security awareness and use caution when visiting Israel. Embassy personnel also have been barred from personal travel outside of the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva area until further notice.
The embassy singled out the risk of injury or death from airborne attacks in Israel, noting, “In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a red alert siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real; follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space.”
The current State Department travel advisory to the region warns Americans not to travel to Gaza and to “reconsider travel”—the second-highest category of warning—to Israel and the West Bank. The warning cites the risk of terrorism and civil unrest.
“The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning,” according to the State Department.
