Posted on 07/22/2014 11:37:42 AM PDT by Nachum
Delta said it suspended service to and from its New York JFK hub "until further notice," while the Israel Airports Authority would only confirm that the carriers had suspended flight scheduled for Monday. US Airways has not yet released a statement.There is an answer, but so far only El Al has bought into it. American Airlines (which recently merged with USAir) decided six years ago that the solution was too expensive.United announced it was also suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.
Transportation Minister called on American aviation companies to return to normal functioning, stressing that Ben-Gurion airport was safe from for take-offs and landings, and that there was no security concern for passenger planes."There is no reason for the American companies to stop their flight and give a prize to terror," he said.
Though media had reported that the US Federal Aviation Authority had ordered the cancellations, it did not issue any new guidance on flying through the region. The airline companies had acted on their own authority.
An order from the FAA could have had far greater repercussions for Israel's economy.
"As soon as the FAA gives such an order to US carriers, in most cases it's a domino effect, and most European carriers will be forced to suspend their flights," said an industry source.Regardless, the source added, "This is a huge coup for Hamas."
Tourism accounts for about 5% of Israel's exports, and has already declined as a result of the rocket fire from Gaza.
According to Channel 2, Israeli and American flight officials are reportedly trying to come to an understanding regarding the US concerns over rocket fire.
Israel contends that the Iron Dome rocket defense system, which has proven to be 90% effective during Operation Protective Edge, is also capable of intercepting projectiles in the area of Ben-Gurion Airport.
The rocket which landed in the courtyard of a home in Yehud on Tuesday, causing damage and leaving two people lightly injured, marked the first direct hit in the greater Tel Aviv area since the Gaza operation began more than two weeks ago.
"The FAA immediately notified US carriers when the agency learned of the rocket strike and informed them that the agency was finalizing a [Notice to Airmen]" prohibiting the flights.The US issued a travel warning against traveling to Israel or Gaza this morning. Nevertheless, over 200 North American immigrants arrived here today....
Delta diverted flight 468 from JFK with 273 passengers and 17 crew, Paris-Charles de Gaulle "after reports of a rocket or associated debris near the airport in Tel Aviv," and said that it was working to re-accommodate its customers.
While the FAA does not have jurisdiction over European or other international air carriers, the decision may lead to other cancellations.
"As soon as the FAA gives such an order to US carriers, in most cases it's a domino effect, and most European carriers will be forced to suspend their flights," said an industry source. "This is a huge coup for Hamas."
Air France suspended all flights to and from Israel due to "security reasons linked to the evolution of the local situation," Reuters quoted an airline spokesman as saying.
Lufthansa, Swiss Air, and KLM also suspended flights to Ben Gurion.
Is this actually a global Israeli boycott?
Adding another discussion, for reference ...
Two U.S. airlines suspend Israel flights after rocket attack near airport [FAA suspends all flights]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3183565/posts
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.606534
7:41 P.M. The FAA prohibits all U.S. airlines from flying to and from Ben-Gurion International Airport “for a period of up to 24 hours.”
5:57 P.M. Delta Airlines and U.S. Airways suspend flights to and from Israel on Tuesday. This follows a warning from the Federal Aviation Authority given after a rocket fell earlier Tuesday in Yehud, near Ben-Gurion International Airport. United Airlines announced it will continue operating as usual.
A Delta Airlines flight from New York to Israel landed in Paris following the decision. U.S. Air has relocated planes currently at Ben-Gurion airport tonight’s planned flight has been canceled. (Zohar Blumenkrantz)
It’s more like not wanting another “Ukraine” ...
Well if they really want to help, they’ll just stop any and all future service to Israel. That should make ham-ass happy. Kind of go along with the divestment strategy that’s been tossed around. Obie don’t care. VN war hero john f’n kohn-heinz-kerry don’t care. Of course, after the Ukraine shoot down one can’t be too careful.
FAA bans flights to Israel for 24 hours-US urges deferral of travel, increases first aid to Gaza
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3183589/posts
Decision comes after Delta, US Airways and United Airlines cancel flights due to rocket fired from Gaza causing damage in Yehud, some 5 kilometers from Ben-Gurion Airport
The US Federal Aviation Authority on Tuesday banned US flights from traveling to and from Ben Gurion Airport for 24 hours after a Hamas rocket landed in Yehud, near Ben Gurion Airport, earlier in the day.
“The FAA immediately notified US carriers when the agency learned of the rocket strike and informed them that the agency was finalizing a [Notice to Airmen]” prohibiting the flights.
American aviation companies Delta, United said they were suspending flights to Israel “indefinitely,” while the Israel Airports Authority confirmed that US Airways had suspended flights for the night.
Delta diverted flight 468 from JFK with 273 passengers and 17 crew, Paris-Charles de Gaulle “after reports of a rocket or associated debris near the airport in Tel Aviv,” and said that it was working to re-accommodate its customers.
While the FAA does not have jurisdiction over European or other international air carriers, the decision may lead to other cancellations.
“As soon as the FAA gives such an order to US carriers, in most cases it’s a domino effect, and most European carriers will be forced to suspend their flights,” said an industry source. “This is a huge coup for Hamas.”
Yes, especially since the Israelis have their act together and it would be Hamas responsible for any lost airliner. So, basically, the ban is there to protect Hamas from hurting itself.
Occam’s Razor: They don’t want their planes flying in a zone where missiles are flying all over the place...
My friend was supposed to fly to Israel tomorrow with 2 of her grandchildren. Now she has to wait til Friday to see what schedule changes can be arranged.
“Ukraine” = crashed plane, dead passengers ...
People tend not to care what brings their plane down, when they’re in it ... only that they’re about to die in a crash!
But flights over ukraine get a free pass, assuming that the russians don’t shoot them down that is.
Pat yourself on the back. Keep it up, Hamas likes fear mongering.
You know ... the public is funny that way ... They may know there are good guys and bad guys “shooting it out “ and they will wish the good guys God’s speed in doing what they have to — BUT — that doesn’t mean that they want to be “in the middle of the flying bullets”! ... :-) ...
The Israeli's will only double-down on their attacks now, since Hamas quickly throwing in the towel seems to be the only option left.
This edict by the U.S. airlines to me is a boon for our side. The Israeli's are too dependent on their airports to withstand a boycott for long. Now they have to go for broke!
GO BIBI !
Baruch Hashem, Israel will show the world how to treat a boycott from Hussein Obama - double down.
It’s called safety for your own person and your family. No one, unless they’re a complete idiot and don’t care, is going to unnecessarily put those in their care in harm’s way ... no matter whose ox is gored or what their political persuasion is!
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