EASYJET has cancelled all flights from the UK to Israel for more than six months because of spiralling tensions in the Middle East.
The popular budget airline will not reopen routes to Tel Aviv until October 27 this year.
AlamyEasyJet has cancelled all flights to Israel until October 27[/caption]
Footage from Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend
Leaders around the world fear the conflict could explode into a full-blown war
A spokesperson for the airline said: “As a result of the continued evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has now taken the decision to suspend its flights to Tel Aviv for the remainder of the summer season.”
They added: “Customers booked to fly on this route up to this date are being offered options, including a full refund.”
The company had previously suspended flights until April 21, but has extended the ban for the entire summer season.
It comes after Iran launched a huge barrage of more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday night.
Tel Aviv’s own airspace was closed on Saturday evening in anticipation of the hit.
The IDF and allied forces shot down the rockets, but leaders around the world are waiting with baited breath to see what follows.
Netanyahu’s war cabinet has sworn an “imminent” response and there are fears the IDF could even strike Iranian nuclear sites.
World leaders are holding their breath to see if an “uncontrollable war” breaks out in the tumultuous region.
EasyJet is not the only airline to resort to such measures in response to the ongoing chaos in the Middle East.
German airline Lufthansa said flights to Beirut and Tehran would be cancelled until at least April 18.
Dutch company KLM cancelled all fights to and from Tel Aviv until today.
Australian airline Qantas is changing flight routes to avoid Iranian airspace entirely.
And Virgin Atlantic said: “We are not currently overflying Iraq, Iran, or Israel, but we continue to monitor the situation for any potential impact on our operations.
“The safety and security of our customers and people is paramount and always will be. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers by slightly longer flight times.”
British Airways is also monitoring the situation closely, ready to suspend its own flights if necessary.
Wizz Air said passengers could see changes made to their flight schedules as it keeps an eye on the evolving situation.
Qatar Airlines did briefly suspend flights to Iranian airports in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan, but has since resumed them.
The EU’s Aviation Safety Agency said it is keeping an eye out for any potential safety risks.
“The European Commission and EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any potential safety risks for EU aircraft operators and be ready to act as appropriate,” a statement read.
