Despite reports indicating that Tel Aviv's airport was closed, Ben Gurion (TLV) remains open as of press time.
A statement on its official website reads:
"Dear passengers, please be advised that Ben Gurion airport is working as planned, including departures and landings."
The message concludes with, "Ben Gurion Airport – Yours and There For You Always!"
And Israel's El Al Airlines remains operational
In a recent statement dated 11OCT, the carrier noted: "EL AL Airlines operates in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces.
EL AL flights operate as scheduled. Due to the situation, there may be a change in the departure times of some flights. We advise our customers to follow our flight schedule."
Reuters stated that approximately 50% of scheduled Tel Aviv flights were not operational on Sunday (08OCT), and a third were cancelled by Monday evening (09OCT), as tracked by Flightradar24.
EL AL, however, had increased its flights to transport reservists from various global locations to support the country's mobilization efforts.
On 10OCT, Open Jaw reported that the Israeli government had declared a state of emergency.
"The safety and security of our visitors is our top priority, and we are working to ensure their well-being in every way possible. IMOT, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is working to assist those who wish to depart from Israel. While US carriers have suspended flights to Israel, Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, and many flights are still departing Israel."
Air Canada and other major airlines have halted flights to Israel.
As reported by OJ on 10OCT, the government of Canada travel advisory site says Canadians should “avoid non-essential travel in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” It also says to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza Strip-based terrorists, and to avoid travel to the parts of the Golan Heights that border Syria, east of Highway 98, due to militant and Israel Defense Forces activity.
"Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government will be airlifting Canadians out of Israel as the country's war with Hamas rages on," reports the CBC.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Joly said military aircraft will begin evacuation flights from Tel Aviv "in the coming days." Flights will be available for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families.
