World
UAE airlines cut flights to Tel Aviv
United Arab Emirates carriers Etihad Airways, Emirates, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and flydubai have cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, joining American and European airlines in evading Israel due to mounting hostilities in the region.
“We have consolidated some of our flights due to demand,” said a flydubai spokesperson, adding that the airline is currently operating up to 3 daily flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
The airline has recently operated fewer than its scheduled four daily flights.
Etihad Airways on the other hand has suspended its passenger and cargo services to Tel Aviv in response to the ongoing conflict.
“Etihad is monitoring the situation in Israel and continues to maintain close contact with authorities and security intelligence providers,” said a spokesperson from the airline.
The proportion of Etihad flights affected were to fly from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv and from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi on Sunday, May 16.
“Guests booked on these services are being assisted with their travel arrangements,” added the Etihad spokesperson.
Budget carrier Wizz Air Abu Dhabi also cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv, as per their websites.
Last week, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said it delayed its Tel Aviv flights scheduled for May 13 in light of the recent clashes in Israel.
“The safety of our crew, passengers and aircraft is our number one priority and we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” an airline spokesperson told media.
Escalating hostilities between Israel and Palestine have prompted many American and European airlines to cancel flights to Israel this week.