Middle East conflict sparks widespread flight cancellations | Airlines

A growing number of major US and European airlines have suspended all flights to and from Israel and Lebanon due to escalating safety concerns amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Despite assurance from Israel that its national airspace remains safe, numerous airlines have canceled flights over fears of potential retaliation from Iran or Hezbollah following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, 2024.

As of August 4, 2024, dozens of air carriers have paused operations due to heightened safety risks. Delta Air Lines, one of the major US airlines, was among the first to suspend flights between New York (JFK) and Tel Aviv (TLV), halting operations until at least August 9, 2024. The airline has notified affected customers and issued a travel waiver for those with bookings to or from TLV before August 14, 2024. United Airlines, another major US carrier, has canceled all flights to Israel until at least August 6, 2024.

In Europe, Lufthansa Group airlines—including Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings—have ceased operations to Tel Aviv and Beirut until at least August 8. Greek carrier Aegean Airlines and German operator Condor Airlines have also suspended flights to Israel until August 6, while Italy’s ITA Airways has done the same.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, part of the Air…