Air France has announced the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut scheduled for Sunday and Monday, citing the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. The decision comes as a direct response to Israel’s airstrikes into Lebanon, which have raised concerns for passenger safety.
A spokesman for the French carrier stated, “Flights today and tomorrow are suspended,” indicating a potential extension of the suspension depending on the evolving situation in the region.
Air France typically operates daily flights to both Tel Aviv and Beirut. While flights to Beirut were previously halted between July 29th and August 15th, flights to Tel Aviv had continued.
The airline did not disclose whether its budget subsidiary, Transavia, which also services both destinations, would follow suit with flight suspensions.
In a similar move, German airline Lufthansa extended its Beirut flight suspension until the end of September. The airline also announced that flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran would remain suspended until September 2nd.
This decision reflects the heightened tensions in the Middle East and the growing concern for the safety of passengers and crew traveling to and from the region. The suspension of flights by major airlines underscores the instability and potential risks associated with travel to these destinations in the current climate.
