FAA Extends Ban on Flights to Israel, Israel Tourism Responds
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) today extended its ban on flights into or out of Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport for up to an additional 24 hours while it continues to monitor the armed conflict in Israel and Gaza. The FAA's original 24-hour ban, issued Tuesday shortly after noon Eastern Standard time, came in response to a rocket strike by Hamas that landed about one mile from the airport. The FAA said it is working closely with the Israeli government to review "significant new information they have provided and determine whether potential risks to U.S. civil aviation are mitigated so the agency can resolve concerrns as quickly as possible."
In a statement, Israel Tourism Commissioner Haim Gutin noted that the U.S. State Department has not proposed a ban on travel to the country. The State Department's Travel Warning recommends that citizens "consider" deferring non-essential travel, he said. "Please know that tourism is continuing and hotels, restaurants, tourist sites and holy places are open as usual," Gutin said, adding that some 75,000 tourists are currently in Israel. Several, but not all, European airlines have followed the FAA ban. British Airways--along with El Al, Arkia Israel Airlines and Israir--have continued scheduled flights. The Israeli carriers are expected to add flights to accommodate passengers from cancelled flights, the statement said.