Unveiling the Truth: Crucial Insights for Travelers Amidst Israel-Gaza Confrontation

Israeli forces and Hamas militants are engaged in ongoing battles after Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially declared that the nation is currently in a state of war. In response to the escalating conflict, many global airlines have canceled flights to and from Israel, and governments are updating their travel advisories for individuals planning to travel to the region.

The situation remains fluid and all information is subject to sudden change, but heres what travelers need to know following the attacks.

What is the impact on aviation?

Hamas has stated that one of its targets is Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's main international hub situated near Tel Aviv. On Saturday, October 7, CNN's Nic Robertson, who was present at the airport, heard the sound of missiles flying above.

Amid the blaring sirens and intercepted missiles by the country's Iron Dome air defense system, he, along with other passengers and crew, positioned themselves face-down on the ground.

Despite the ongoing conflict, as of Monday morning, Ben Gurion's website assured that the country's largest and busiest airport was still functioning and open.

Ilan and Asaf Ramon International Airport (ETM), the second-largest airport in the country, located in the southern Red Sea city of Eilat, has announced its intention to maintain its services.

Furthermore, El Al, the national flag carrier of Israel, released a statement on October 8th affirming its commitment to operating flights without any disruption.

El Al Airlines operates in accordance with Israeli security forces' instructions and ensures that all flights are operated as scheduled. Please note that all El Al flights will depart exclusively from Terminal 3.

For passengers who desire to "freeze" their tickets, the airline is providing options to utilize them on an unspecified future date. Additionally, travelers with flights scheduled between now and October 21 will not be charged any fees for booking changes.

Passengers who want to cancel their trip can receive a voucher by completing the form available on El Al's website. Additionally, the airline provides an emergency hotline for customers impacted by the circumstances.

On Monday, October 9th, a few flights were still arriving at Ben Gurion airport, predominantly operated by Israeli airlines such as El Al, originating from Rome, Milan, and Athens. Certain flights were indicated as being delayed.

The countrys two smaller carriers, Israir and Arkia Airlines, said they would be operating flights to help Israelis abroad return home.

What about non-Israeli airlines?

International airlines have significantly decreased their air services to Israel in response to the evolving situation. Lufthansa, a German airline, has issued a statement stating that they will be reducing their flight program to and from Tel Aviv this coming Saturday due to the current security situation in Israel.

French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced on CNN affiliate BFM TV that Air France has temporarily halted all flights to Israel.

Cathay Pacific Airways from Hong Kong confirmed the cancellation of its flights to and from Tel Aviv and stated that further updates will be provided on October 12.

Korean Air, the sole South Korean airline offering nonstop flights between Incheon and Tel Aviv, has canceled its Monday flight. However, they have assured passengers that a return flight from Tel Aviv to Incheon will be operational to facilitate their return home.

In the meantime, Delta Air Lines has provided instructions for passengers who have reserved flights to or from Tel Aviv from October 7th to 14th. These passengers have the option to reschedule their flights for dates after October 21st without incurring any change fees, as long as they choose the same class of service.

Travelers who choose to cancel their entire trip will receive a voucher equivalent to the amount paid for their ticket. The voucher must be utilized within a one-year period. Both American Airlines and United Airlines have also canceled their direct flights.

Ensuring the wellbeing of our passengers and staff is of utmost importance to us," stated a United representative.

"We are actively keeping a close watch on the situation while making necessary modifications to our flight schedules."

The airline has confirmed that flights will remain suspended until conditions permit them to resume.

Other major airlines that have announced cancellations include Air Canada, Hainan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Royal Air Marcoc.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a memo urging US pilots to "use caution when flying in Israeli airspace," according to Reuters.

Are scheduled events still happening?

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has cancelled all upcoming matches in Israel, which were scheduled to take place over the next few weeks. This includes a Euro 2024 qualifier between Israel and Switzerland, as well as Israel's Euro Under-21 championship matches against Estonia and Germany.

In a statement, UEFA stated that they will closely monitor the situation and maintain communication with all teams involved. They will make decisions regarding new dates for the matches and any potential changes to other upcoming fixtures.

Live Nation, the music and live events company, has announced the cancellation of the Bruno Mars concert that was supposed to take place in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park over the weekend. Despite performing to a sold-out crowd on October 4, the Hawaiian musician's second concert, scheduled for the 7th, will not go ahead. Live Nation has assured ticket holders for the second show that they will be refunded automatically.

What are foreign governments saying?

Multiple countries have updated their guidance on travel to Israel and Gaza following the weekend attacks.

"The US Embassy in Israel issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing unpredictability of the situation, urging American citizens in Israel to reach out to either the embassy in Jerusalem or the consulate in Tel Aviv. Those in the US seeking to contact their loved ones in Israel can also avail themselves of a crisis intake form to request support."

The UK embassy advises British citizens in Israel to contact and heed the guidance of the Home Front Command, an Israeli civil defense group responsible for search and rescue operations.

Furthermore, the UK embassy recommends that its nationals steer clear of the Gaza Strip and the regions surrounding the Lebanon border, as these areas pose current risks.

CNNs Nicole Goodkind and Sophie Jeong contributed reporting.