Due to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh being assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday, and Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard blaming Israel for the attack, it is feared this could trigger a regional war.
The number of airlines cancelling flights into and out of Israel is growing and includes United, Delta, Lufthansa, FlyDubai, Air India, and Baltic Airlines.
Lufthansa Group, which includes Brussel Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussel Airlines, Eurowings, Swiss Airlines, and of course Lufthansa, has cancelled flights until August 9.
Air Baltic, Air India, Delta, and FlyDubai canceled flights so far only for August 1.
The Israel Head of the Civil Aviation Authority, Shmuel Zakai, claims that airspace is “absolutely safe” for travel.
He stated that their authorities will close the airspace if they deem that the situation calls for it. He said that global regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration and its European counterpart have not issued instructions to airlines not to fly to Israel.
Israeli airlines Arkia, El Al, and Israir announced they would continue to fly and are preparing to add more flights if necessary to help Israelis who may get stranded.
Hamas Leader Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the Tuesday swearing in ceremony of Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian.