Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv until October 14 due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Your safety is our priority. Stay updated on this developing situation.
Amid the intensifying conflict between the Israeli military and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Air India, a well-regarded airline owned by the Tata Group, has made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend all flights to and from Tel Aviv, the capital city of Israel. The primary motivation behind this suspension is the unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of both passengers and crew members during these tumultuous times.
Air India Halts Tel Aviv Flights
The situation in the region has reached a critical and concerning point, with hostilities flaring up in various parts of southern Israel. This decision was made in the wake of a surprise attack launched by Hamas on Israeli territories just 24 hours prior, resulting in a violent and tragic exchange of fire. Regrettably, the conflict has already exacted a significant human toll on both sides of the equation.
Hamas, in its latest offensive, has been responsible for the loss of approximately 300 lives, further escalating an already grave situation. In response, the Israeli military initiated “Operation Iron Swords,” a retaliatory campaign that, tragically, has led to the loss of 313 lives in Gaza. Consequently, the cumulative death toll from this ongoing conflict now stands at a heartbreaking 613 individuals.
Understanding the gravity of the situation and placing the safety of passengers and crew members as their top priority, an Air India spokesperson issued a statement: “Air India flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, will remain suspended until the 14th of October, primarily to ensure the safety of our passengers and crew. Air India is committed to extending all possible support to passengers who have previously confirmed bookings on any flight during this period.” This demonstrates the airline’s dedication to the welfare and well-being of its passengers and staff members during these turbulent and uncertain times.
To underscore the seriousness of the situation, Air India had previously taken the precautionary step of canceling its flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv and from Tel Aviv to Delhi, a measure undertaken to prioritize the safety of passengers and the welfare of its dedicated crew members.
Responding to the escalating crisis, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared that his nation was now in a state of “war.” He underscored the unwavering resolve of Israel to exact an “unprecedented price” from its adversaries. During a televised address to his fellow countrymen, Netanyahu emphasized, “We are at war—not an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours.”
Netanyahu further revealed that he had issued orders for the clearance of communities infiltrated by terrorists and the extensive mobilization of reserves. He reiterated his commitment to responding with force that matches the threat and emphasized, “The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”
In the wake of Netanyahu’s declarations, the Israeli military swiftly initiated “Operation Iron Swords” in retaliation for Hamas’ surprise attack. This comprehensive operation involved coordinated offensives by land, air, and sea, in addition to a relentless barrage of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, Hamas had managed to infiltrate the heavily fortified southern border of Israel, leading to adverse impacts felt in cities such as Tel Aviv, Rehovot, Gedera, and Ashkelon.
As this volatile and complex situation continues to unfold, Air India remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritize the safety and security of its passengers and dedicated crew members. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and remains ready to adapt its plans as developments unfold in this rapidly changing environment.
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