Foreign Airlines Cancel Flights Amid Security Concerns Stranding Israelis Abroad and tourists here

In the midst of a challenging security situation, foreign airlines are canceling numerous flights to and from Israel, leaving many Israelis stranded abroad. Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Wise Air, Turkish Airlines, and Lot Polish Airlines are among the carriers that have already suspended their services. As a result, Israeli airlines are grappling with a surge in demand for available seats on their flights.

Shani Ozan, the manager of the group department at the travel agency Gordon Tours, expressed her concern, saying, "I have a group of 31 Israelis who are stuck in Frankfurt because Lufthansa canceled a flight that was scheduled for today. This is an elderly group of people over 70 years old, and at the moment it is not known what will happen to them. So far, the airline has not taken responsibility, and we do not know if it will arrange accommodation for them."

Responding to the growing crisis, Arkia has announced plans for night rescue flights from Athens, Greece, and Sharm el-Sheikh. The Athens flight is scheduled to depart at 01:25 local time, bridging the gap between Saturday and Sunday.

El Al, Israel's national airline, reported a flood of inquiries from both Israelis abroad and tourists wanting to leave the country or return home. The airline's flights for today and tomorrow are fully booked, and they are contemplating adding more flights to meet the demand.

Amid the travel chaos, some travelers are encountering exorbitant costs. One passenger, M., who resides in Berlin, attempted to change his flight to tomorrow but was shocked by the high prices. "I contacted El Al, and they said there was room only in Business class, priced at 1,000 euros per ticket. The regular ticket we bought cost 400 euros. We tried to find another flight, but on every flight, it was written that it was full or canceled."

The situation is also impacting the hospitality industry, with hotels receiving numerous calls from tourists and experiencing cancellations of future reservations. Danny Lipman, CEO of Atlas Hotels, commented on the situation, saying, "There are massive cancellations for future bookings. Many of the tourists, who are in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, are looking for flights to escape. Israelis in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are anticipating their return home."

Shirley Cohen Orkabi, Vice President of Esht Tours, revealed, "We receive calls non-stop, both from abroad and from within. As of now, most of the inquiries are about departures for tomorrow. There are also inquiries for cancellations."

Yossi Fatal, CEO of the Bureau of Inbound Tourism Organizers, provided insight into the legal implications, stating, "Basically, a country's official declaration of war legally causes the cancellation of flights. All tourists managed by members of the bureau have been instructed to stay in the hotels and not leave. We are in contact with the hotels to handle cases where a group cannot leave, and another group arrives to help them. Despite the directive, groups that are supposed to move to hotels in the north received permission to move, in coordination with the security officials and the Ministry of Tourism."

The situation remains fluid as Israelis and tourists alike grapple with the challenges posed by the current security situation and disruptions in air travel.