What to Know About Travel to Israel Right Now—and How to Help

11.10.2023 - 18:17 / cntraveler.com / El Al

On Saturday, violence erupted across Israel and Gaza in one of the worst conflicts the region has seen in decades, according to The New York Times. After Hamas militants began launching thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli towns early Saturday morning, the conflict has continued to escalate, with Israel’s military responding with massive air strikes. The violence has left thousands dead, according to CNN. Thousands more are injured on both sides.

At least 14 Americans have been killed in the violence, President Biden said in a speech on Tuesday, with more being held hostage by militants in Gaza. More than 10 British citizens are feared dead amid the conflict, while Thailand reported at least 18 nationals killed and 11 taken hostage, and France said at least eight of its citizens perished or have been taken hostage.

As the conflict wears on, air travel options available to tourists looking to evacuate Israel have been severely disrupted. Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, but flights have been greatly reduced and are not easy to book. Many major airlines have canceled or suspended flights into Israel, and any that are still operating are subject to last-minute changes or cancellations. Now a growing number of countries are organizing special evacuation flights for their citizens.

Tour companies and travel specialists have been assisting tourists with evacuations. “We had a few groups in the country, some we took to the airport and they were able to get on a flight out,” says Jonathan Rose, a travel advisor with Touring Israel. “The others we delivered to our partners across the Jordanian border and worked with them to secure them flights out of Amman.”

Here's what travelers should know about the conflict's impact on travel, and how to help victims of the violence.

Flight operations into and out of Israel remain dynamic, with changes happening by the hour.

On Saturday, the FAA issued an alert to American pilots to “use caution” when flying in Israeli airspace. The largest US airlines—including United, American, and Delta—have all suspended regular flights to Israel for at least several days. Delta is stopping its flights to Israel until at least October 31. Turkish Airlines, Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa Group have also suspended regular flights to and from Israel.

Numerous airlines, however, are still operating. Israel’s carriers, Arkia and El Al are still flying many routes, and are adding emergency flights to help those stranded—and other international airlines are operating a handful of routes.

A spokesperson for the US State Department told CNN on Tuesday that the agency has "been in conversation with various carriers to encourage them to consider resuming travel