US Airlines Facilitate Evacuations from Israel Amidst Rising Tensions

In response to escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, major US airlines are intensifying efforts to evacuate American nationals and their families from the region. Both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have ramped up operations by adding flights from Athens, Greece to various American cities, while American Airlines is increasing capacity by deploying larger aircraft. The charter flights organized by the US government have successfully transported over 1,000 US citizens and their families from Tel Aviv to Athens since Friday.

The US State Department issued a statement last Thursday announcing its intent to provide evacuation flights for American citizens struggling to secure commercial flight bookings. These evacuation services aim to relocate Americans from Israel to European destinations, allowing them to make further travel plans independently. Moreover, the State Department has issued a travel advisory discouraging American citizens from visiting Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. They also strongly urge individuals currently in the region to reconsider their stay.

The US airline companies involved have emphasized their collaboration with both the US government and local authorities to guarantee the security and well-being of their passengers and staff amidst the fast-paced developments in the Middle East. The trade association Airlines for America, representing leading US airline companies, issued a statement, asserting, “Ensuring the safety and security of all passengers and crew members is the paramount concern for US airlines in light of the rapidly shifting situation in the Middle East.”

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, usatoday.com