US lifts ban on Tel Aviv flights
The Federal Aviation Administration in the US has lifted its two-day ban on Tel Aviv flights.
Israel’s tourism chief addressed the ongoing concerns of visitors by saying it’s still business as usual in the country.
Tourism Commissioner Haim Gutin issued a statement saying life continues as normal and all visitors are welcome.
"Please know that tourism is continuing, and hotels, restaurants, tourist sites and holy places are open as usual," Gutin said.
"Life in Israel and tourism to Israel goes on and we welcome all visitors in peace," he added.
"We foresee the current conflict ending soon, and that everything will return speedily to normal."
In a show of support for Israel, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had earlier flown to Tel Aviv on El Al, urging the FAA to reinstate flights.
"Ben Gurion is the best protected airport in the world and El Al flights have been regularly flying in and out of it safely, and I strongly urge the FAA to reverse course and permit US airlines to fly to Israel," Bloomberg said.
The FAA said it continues to monitor and evaluate the situation.
Air Canada, and some European airlines are remaining cautious and have cancelled flights for a third day.
EasyJet has extended its suspension into today (Thursday).
The cruise industry has also taken a safety first approach with both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises cancelling upcoming port calls in Israel.
Regent will cut out Haifa on its current sailing on the Seven Seas Mariner and the Oceania Riviera will miss out Haifa on its scheduled September 8 sailing.
The lines said they will monitor the situation in Israel and may make further adjustments to itineraries if needed.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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