Biden Administration Launches Charter Flights to Evacuate Americans from Israel
The Biden administration has taken steps to charter flights from Israel to European destinations, as they work to repatriate stranded Americans amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. United, American, and Delta Airlines had recently suspended operations to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport due to safety concerns, leaving many Americans in Israel seeking a way back to the United States.
The charter flights will enable travelers to reach Europe on Israeli, Turkish, and other regional airlines, from where they will continue their journey home on US-based and other carriers. This initiative aims to provide new travel options for those affected by the violence, although the exact number of available flights and seats remains uncertain.
Despite the demand for evacuation flights, concerns about safety, security, and insurance coverage continue to pose challenges to a broader response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has labeled the region a “potentially hazardous situation,” leading European airlines to heed warnings and suspend services to Israel.
While some regional carriers, including Israeli airlines El Al and Arkia, Turkish Airlines, and Russia’s Red Wings, continue to operate, European carriers like British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France have temporarily halted services to Tel Aviv. Additionally, the State Department has upgraded its travel advisory for Israel to Level 3: “Reconsider Travel,” citing the risk of terrorist attacks and violence targeting tourist areas and transportation hubs.
The Biden administration acknowledges the demand for evacuation flights and aims to meet this demand as best as possible. However, the precarious security situation has prompted concerns among US carriers and pilots about flying into the region. In response to these concerns, the US government will organize charter flights for US citizens and their immediate family members from Israel to European airports, reducing exposure to rocket fire while still involving US carriers in the evacuation effort.
The evacuation process currently involves travelers flying on local carriers from Israel to Europe, where they can connect to US airlines for their journey home. However, these flights have proven costly and challenging to secure, often requiring multiple connections. To facilitate this process, US carriers are increasing flights to European hubs, allowing travelers departing Israel more options.
US carriers, including Delta and United Airlines, are carefully monitoring the situation and evaluating when it will be safe to resume flights to Israel. Although they are looking ahead to resuming operations, the current focus remains on the safe repatriation of Americans impacted by the conflict.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the US government’s charter flights offer a lifeline to Americans seeking to return home from Israel during these turbulent times.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, cnn.com