Given the unstable situation in Israel due to the ongoing conflict, British Airways recently decided to not land a flight headed to the Tel Aviv airport, which is the country’s major airport. The flight, which originated from Heathrow Airport in London, traversed almost the entire journey which was more than 3,500 kilometres long. However, officials made the decision not to land at the Tel Aviv airport and decided to turn back.
London-Tel Aviv British Airways Flight Turned Back Mid-Air
A British Airways flight was turned back mid-air after it was deemed unsafe to land at the Tel Aviv airport. According to an article recently published by The Independent, this move was taken in order to prioritise the safety and security of passengers as well as crew members.
OpsGroup, which is an aviation membership organisation, warned that Israel is now an active war zone and hence, lessons learned over the past nine years regarding conflict zones and civil operations in them need to be applied. The organisation, in its cautioning message, recalled the tragic incident that occurred with flight MH17.
MH17 was a Malaysia Airlines flight from Amsterdam. It was headed to Kuala Lumpur but on its way, it flew over occupied eastern Ukraine and was shot down by the Russian army. This resulted in the death of all crew members and passengers on board. 298 people lost their lives.
Also Read: 1990 Kuwait Hostage Passengers & Crew To Take Legal Action Against UK Government & British Airways
Airline Suspends All Flights On The Route For Safety Reasons
In order to not repeat a similar incident, British Airways has decided to suspend all flights on the London-Tel Aviv route until the situation in Israel gains stability. British Airways is not the only airline that has taken this step.
On Tuesday, the last Virgin Atlantic flight touched down at the Tel Aviv airport around the same time that the British Airways flight turned back. Finnair, too, has cancelled all flights heading to and coming from Tel Aviv till March 30, 2024.
British Airways is offering alternate options to those affected by cancellations. It is offering refunds, flights with different airlines or booking at a later date.
Were you planning on visiting Tel Aviv recently? How does this decision affect you? Let us know in the comments below.
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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