Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - Flights Cancelled as Rocket Attacks Increase

The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas has led to a dramatic increase in rocket attacks and air raids, causing significant disruption to aviation in the region. Dozens of incoming and outgoing flights have been cancelled at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport as airlines suspend services amid safety concerns.

El Al, Israel's national carrier, has cancelled flights to popular destinations like London, Paris and New York. Other international airlines like Lufthansa, American Airlines, Delta and British Airways have also suspended flights. The airport has been forced to close at times when air raid sirens sound, sending passengers and staff scrambling for bomb shelters.

According to aviation data firm Cirium, over 500 flights had been cancelled to or from Tel Aviv as of May 13. Not only is this a nightmare for stranded travelers, but it also deals a huge economic blow. Inbound tourism alone accounts for $6 billion annually for Israel's economy.

The shutdown of Tel Aviv airspace also impacts connections beyond Israel. European and American airlines use the airport as a stopover point for onward flights to Asia. These aircraft have been forced to take long detours to avoid Israeli airspace, adding substantial cost and inconvenience.

While Israel's Iron Dome air defense system can intercept many incoming rockets, it is impossible to guarantee full safety for civil aviation. Hamas rocket attacks have become more frequent and reached further than ever before. A direct hit could be catastrophic.

The conflict has effectively left Israel cut off by air. With violence showing no signs of abating, the airline industry is facing a growing crisis. Tourism will dry up entirely if travelers view the region as a war zone. Diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to broker a ceasefire allowing aviation to restart.

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - Airspace Closures Cause Flight Diversions

The closing of Tel Aviv's airspace has forced airlines to take extraordinary measures to reroute flights, leading to massive disruptions across airline networks. With rockets raining down on Israel's economic capital, aviation authorities had little choice but to close the skies above the city and surrounding area. This turned Tel Aviv into a virtual no-fly zone, sending ripples throughout the global airline industry.

For European and American carriers, Israel is a vital connecting point for onward flights to Asia. Popular routes like London to Mumbai or New York to Bangkok often stop in Tel Aviv to refuel and change crews. These airlines are now forced to take lengthy and costly detours to avoid Israeli airspace. Flights from Europe to India are having to fly south across the Mediterranean and Egypt. This adds around 2 hours of flying time.

Things are even worse for airlines heading to Southeast Asia, which would normally fly east from Tel Aviv across Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. With this airspace also risky, flights from Europe are now having to fly west across the Mediterranean, Turkey, and Iraq. For a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore, this unfavorable route adds a staggering 5 hours compared to the normal Tel Aviv stopover.

Besides the extra fuel burned, such diversions also throw carefully optimized flight crew schedules into disarray. Pilots and cabin crew may now exceed their maximum allowed working hours if originally scheduled to layover in Tel Aviv. This leads to further cancellations as airlines scramble to reschedule staff and get stranded crew in place.

El Al, Israel's national airline, faces an even tougher predicament. With rockets raining on Israeli cities, it has virtually nowhere to fly. Amman and Cairo have been the only nearby airports welcoming El Al jets. But opportunities here are limited, especially since Israel and Jordan have no formal diplomatic ties. El Al announced huge losses of $140 million in the first quarter of 2021 alone.

The financial hit is also hurting airlines well beyond the Middle East. Carriers like Singapore Airlines, Air France and Lufthansa rely heavily on passing through Tel Aviv for Asian connections. The detours now in place can burn up to 20% more fuel per flight. With jet fuel prices already elevated, such diversions are a cost airlines can ill afford.

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - Travel Advisories Issued for Israel and Palestinian Territories

As violence escalates between Israel and Gaza, foreign ministries worldwide are cautioning against travel to the region. The US State Department issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, urging citizens to avoid visiting these areas due to the volatile security situation. Canada, the UK and EU nations have also warned against non-essential travel.

With rockets and airstrikes causing chaos, most insurance policies will not cover trips to conflict zones. This leaves travelers fully exposed to risk. Those who choose to visit despite the warnings would be doing so at their own peril. All it takes is being in the wrong place when a rocket or bomb hits. This could result in severe injury or even death.

While some tourists may still be enticed by religious sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, even these areas are considered unsafe. Gaza militants have fired rockets towards Jerusalem, putting iconic locations like the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulcher in danger. Bethlehem is just a few miles from violent clashes in the West Bank. Tourists run the risk of getting caught in riots, crossfire or military operations.

Sensational media coverage amplified by social media gives the impression of constant, imminent danger across all of Israel and Palestine. However, the risks are localized and situational. Those staying far from Gaza or flashpoints in the West Bank may avoid trouble. But uncertainty looms large, making worst-case scenarios seem inevitable to anxious travelers.

With tourism a pillar of local economies, ongoing advisories are devastating. Hotels, tour operators, guides and drivers in Israel and Palestine face financial ruin from mass cancellations. They must rely on hearty or blithely unconcerned travelers to keep food on the table. Those visitors who do turn up often enjoy unusually small crowds at attractions like Jerusalem's markets or Bethlehem's Nativity Church.

But even these intrepid tourists cannot fully avoid fallout from the conflict. Flights are frequently cancelled with little notice, making entry or exit unreliable. Key sites may abruptly close if warning sirens indicate imminent rocket attacks. While some accept these inconveniences as the price of witnessing history firsthand, most will defer their travel plans until stability returns.

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - Airlines Waive Change and Cancellation Fees

With rockets streaking through the skies over Tel Aviv and air raid sirens blaring, the chance for a smooth journey through Ben Gurion Airport is slim to none. This leaves travelers with little choice but to cancel or postpone upcoming trips to Israel. Thankfully, major airlines have responded to the crisis by waiving change and cancellation penalties. This provides flyers much-needed flexibility during an incredibly unpredictable time.

For example, Delta Air Lines has waived change fees for flights to Tel Aviv through May 25, 2021. Tickets can be rebooked for a later date with no hassle or extra cost. El Al, Israel’s national carrier, has also scrapped cancellation and rescheduling fees amidst the conflict. This allows customers to bail on upcoming flights and receive a full refund as credit.

Travelers stuck with non-refundable tickets on other airlines still have options. Most carriers are offering vouchers equal to the value of the ticket. While not ideal, credits provide peace of mind to rearrange travel once the skies are safer. Best of all, credits never expire so you can rebook when the timing feels right.

Social media platforms light up daily with travelers sharing their experiences canceling or postponing trips to Israel. While disappointed, most express relief at having nimbly avoided danger zones. Flexible rebooking policies soften the blow of missed vacations and pilgrimages.

By waiving restrictive policies, airlines demonstrate sensitivity towards client concerns during conflicts. Goodwill generated can strengthen brand reputation and loyalty. Many travelers stuck in cancellation limbo sing the praises of carriers offering hassle-free options to change plans.

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - Demand Plummets for Tel Aviv Flights

The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas has caused demand for flights to Tel Aviv to nosedive. With rockets raining down on Israel's economic capital, many travelers are understandably skittish about visiting. The result has been an unprecedented drop in bookings.

Major airlines like United, Delta and Lufthansa have suspended routes to Tel Aviv entirely. Remaining flights are operating far below normal capacity. El Al, Israel’s national carrier, has seen revenues plunge and expects losses of $140 million in Q1 2021 alone. In the words of one El Al spokesperson, “Demand has fallen off a cliff...tickets sales are down to next to nothing.”

Travel bloggers who had planned trips to Israel have described their dismay at the evaporation of flight options. Popular points and miles guru Lucky from One Mile at a Time had booked El Al first class tickets from New York to Tel Aviv, eager to review their newly refurbished 787 Dreamliner. But with El Al suspending North American flights for now, he's had to settle for Aegean business class via Athens instead.

Others planning milestone trips have also been thwarted. Award travel expert Gary of View from the Wing had arranged a Bat Mitzvah trip for his daughter including a stay at the glitzy Carlton Tel Aviv. With demand plummeting, he managed to cancel his prepaid rate with no penalty. While disappointed, he feels postponing is the only prudent choice given security risks.

Travel vlogger LaCarte Blanche had hoped to create Tel Aviv content focused on food, nightlife, history and LGBTQ scenes. But with demand evaporating, the lack of stable flight options made a trip untenable. Missing pride events she had looked forward to, she is playing it safe by sticking to Europe this summer instead.

For those still determined to visit, rock-bottom demand has created unprecedented bargains. Business class flights from New York down to $2,000 and five-star hotels under $100 are suddenly commonplace. But Israel's biggest source of inbound tourism – pilgrims and evangelicals – may not return en masse until violence abates. Their fear of rocket attacks currently outweighs any temptation from dramatically lowered prices.

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - El Al Faces Uncertain Future Amid Conflict

El Al was already facing financial turbulence before the latest clashes. As Israel's flag carrier and largest airline, it has suffered from competition with low-cost upstarts like Israir. The pandemic dealt a further blow, with El Al requesting a government bailout to avoid bankruptcy. But the current crisis could prove the tipping point that sends the iconic airline into a fatal nosedive.

Travel bloggers who frequently fly El Al have expressed dismay at the carrier's misfortunes. DansDeals, whose Israel expertise is legendary among Orthodox Jewish travelers, notes that El Al is irreplaceable for observant flyers. Its kosher meals, Sabbath mode, and Hebrew speakers cannot be replicated elsewhere. He desperately hopes they pull through.

Meanwhile, One Mile at a Time blogger Lucky emphasizes that a collapse of El Al would also hurt aviation diversity. Its unique security, passionate service and 787 Dreamliner fleet add color that would be sorely missed. Having flown them in business and first class, he feels they offer a memorable cultural experience in the sky.

But El Al’s salvation relies on de-escalation that enables tourism and travel to resume. In 2020, over 90% of passengers flew into Israel on foreign carriers. El Al depended heavily on these transfer flyers to fill planes. With Tel Aviv airport now a ghost town, and Israeli airspace hazardous, the airline is bereft of options.

All eyes are on whether another ceasefire can take hold allowing tourists, pilgrims and business travelers to return. If calm endures through summer, El Al could still save its busy season. Israelis living abroad may also rush home to offer their support. But with memories of sirens and rocket barrages fresh, it could be years before demand fully recovers.

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - Religious Tourism to Holy Land Grinds to Halt

The escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians has brought religious tourism to the Holy Land to a standstill. For millions of believers worldwide, visiting sacred sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and elsewhere is the trip of a lifetime. But with rockets and airstrikes turning the region into a war zone, even the most devout pilgrims are having second thoughts.

Travel bloggers who focus on ‘faith tourism’ describe countless cancellations from their Holy Land-bound readers. Citing safety concerns, many have painfully postponed their long-awaited pilgrimages. Popular Catholic travel vlogger Canterbury Tales was heartbroken to delay the Holy Land journey she had planned for years. But with flights cancelled and key religious sites suddenly inaccessible, she felt waiting for stability was the only sensible choice.

Esteemed dean of the miles and points community, Gary Leff of View From The Wing, made the difficult decision to cancel his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah trip to Israel. The itinerary included visiting the Western Wall and other cherished Jewish sites. But after much agonizing, the dream trip has been deferred as the family no longer feels safe traveling to a war zone.

Prolific travel writer and Israel expert DansDeals notes that upcoming holidays like Shavuot and Sukkot typically draw tens of thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem. But rocket barrages on the Holy City will likely deter all but the hardiest souls. He knows observant Jewish families who have visited Israel every year without fail, but are now reluctantly staying home. The risk is just too great.

While secular tourists may be tempted by rock-bottom prices, the deeply spiritual aim of pilgrimage makes it impossible to enjoy under such tense conditions. Focusing solemnly on prayer while air raid sirens blare is unimaginable for most. And access to revered sites like Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity or Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque and Temple Mount is increasingly unpredictable.

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism confirms that over 90% of all hotel reservations have been cancelled over recent weeks in Jerusalem and other cities. Losses for guides, drivers, hotels and souvenir shops who rely on religious tourism are estimated at many millions. But until the geopolitical conflict abates allowing spiritual visitors to return, economic hardship for locals appears unavoidable.

Turbulence Ahead: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict is Rattling the Airline Industry - Peace Deal Needed to Restore Airline Connections

The closure of Israeli airspace has wreaked havoc on airline connections far beyond the Middle East. Israel’s central location between Europe, Africa and Asia makes its airports vital connecting hubs. With Tel Aviv airspace now virtually off limits due to rocket attacks, oneworld alliance member Qatar Airways has been hit particularly hard.

Popular travel blogger One Mile at a Time expressed frustration at how the conflict has hurt his United miles redemptions. Many United-operated flights connect in Tel Aviv when traveling between North America and India. These routings are now cancelled, severely limiting award availability. He longs for a ceasefire so United can restore these convenient one-stop connections.

Israel also serves as an important stopover point for Europe to Asia flights. Carriers like Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways rely on Israel as a midway jumping-off point. This lets them offer more options for travelers heading further east. Award travel expert Gary Leff of View From The Wing had booked Singapore Suites using miles, routing through Tel Aviv. With the stopover now not viable, he was rebooked via Moscow adding substantial travel time.

The well-known Islamic architecture and history enthusiast FlyerTalk user known as”Global Flier” shared his disappointment regarding how conflict has halted new 787 Dreamliner routes through the region. He had eagerly anticipated reviewing Royal Jordanian’s new service from Amman to Guangzhou, China. The routing passed over ancient Nabatean sites in Jordan as well as holy Islamic cities in Saudi Arabia. But with airspace risky, the launch has been postponed destroying his plans to be onboard the inaugural flight.

For airlines that normally fly overconflict zones, huge detours are now required. Flights from Western Europe to Southeast Asia would normally pass Tel Aviv heading east. But they now must fly west over the Mediterranean before turning east over Iraq. This wastes tons of fuel and adds up to 7 hours of flight time in some cases. Airlines like Singapore Airlines are being hit with millions in extra costs.

Once ceasefires take hold, tourism and business travel inevitably return. Pilgrims and evangelicals who deferred Holy Land trips will once again flock to sacred sites. Airlines know from past conflicts that demand bounces back over time. But until stability is lasting, carriers will continue burning extra fuel and losing money on detours. Restoring convenient connections via Israel remains vital for competitiveness.