eTN caught up with Mr. Eliezer Hod, director of the Western Region USA Office of the Israel Ministry of Tourism at the Israel Consulate General in Los Angeles, California, USA.

When asked about the FAA ban on flights to Tel Aviv causing for international airlines, including all US-based airlines forced to cancel flights to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv Mr.Hod responded:

“Israel is a very organized country. Every tourist who wants to come to Israel can come. Every tourist or visitor wanting to leave Israel can leave. Israel’s national carrier, El Al, and other Israel-based airlines have been putting in place additional flights to most major European gateways. Therefore most European airline hubs are easily reachable from Tel Aviv, and seats are available for anyone to get to these gateways and connect to any place in the world.”

According to Mr. Hod, tourism is functioning in his country without interruption. Even though the hotels are only 35% occupied during the usually sold out summer season, all museums and attractions are open and are receiving visitors.

Mr. Hod claimed no international tour groups and religious travel groups have cancelled trips to Israel, but some have postponed such trips due to the current active conflict with Hamas in Gaza.