A video circulated today shows "Ben Gurion Airport" in Israel completely empty after most international airlines canceled flights to Israel. This measure comes in response to recent escalations in the region and the anticipation of an Iranian response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh a week ago in Tehran, as well as Hezbollah's reaction to the assassination of the party leader Fouad Shukr.
Many international airlines have announced the cancellation of their flights to Israel to avoid any emergencies amid the uncertainty regarding the timing of the Iranian attack. As the number of Israelis stranded in foreign airports increases, consumer organizations in Israel are urging the Competition Authority to investigate Israeli airlines for taking advantage of the situation to exploit customers and raise ticket prices.
The Italian airline Etta has extended its suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until August 8, "due to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew." Similarly, the German airline Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to Ben Gurion Airport until the 12th of the month, a move that also affects Austrian Airlines. On Monday, Wizz Air announced that it would suspend its flights to Israel at least until Friday.
Estimates published by the Israeli site "Calcalist" indicate that since the current war began, around 25 foreign airlines have ceased their operations in Israel. This figure complicates the already dire situation of Israeli aviation since the outbreak of war on October 7. Of approximately 120 foreign airlines operating in Israel last summer, only about 50 have maintained their flight routes to Israel, and flight cancellations from last week have reduced this number to only 25-30.
Against the backdrop of the creeping decline in flight availability to and from Israel, air ticket prices are rising. This situation has led to sharp public criticism of Israeli airlines, which continue their operations normally, for allegedly exploiting the security crisis to launch a "war" on Israel, imposing price hikes and profiting excessively, according to "Calcalist." The Israeli aviation authorities have urged Israelis stranded abroad without return flights to purchase tickets to Athens and Larnaca, where Israeli airlines "El Al," "Israir," and "Arkia" will increase their flights in the upcoming period.
