Major airlines across the globe have started to pull flights from Israel over missile fears.
Delta, United and US Airways has confirmed that it has cancelled two flights to and from Tel Aviv, whilst American, KLM and British Airways have confirmed that they are monitoring the situation.
A statement on the Delta Airlines website said, ‘Delta flight 468, a Boeing 747 from JFK with 273 passengers and 17 crew, diverted to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Tuesday after reports of a rocket or associated debris near the airport in Tel Aviv. Delta is working to reaccommodate these customers.’
The move to cancel flights has come amid the concerns over the safety of civilian aircraft flying over war zones. Last week a Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 was downed killing all 298 passengers and crew on board.
Amongst the victims, it is reported that there were at least 6, but up to 100 HIV/AIDS experts who were on their way to the 20th International AIDS conference in Melbourne, Australia. On board was Joep Langer who was a pioneer of HIV research. He was killed along with his partner Jacqueline.
A candlelight vigil was held for the victims of MH17 and HIV/AIDS in Melbourne in Federation Square last night.
The Foreign Office in the UK has issued a strong warning saying, ‘The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Gaza. The British Information and Services Office in Gaza is closed until further notice. The FCO can no longer offer any consular assistance in Gaza. Rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and Israeli air strikes on Gaza continue.’
If you are concerned about your flights you should contact your carrier.
