Lufthansa keeps Tel Aviv airport off-limits until June 22 due to regional unrest
Lufthansa prolongs suspension of flights to Tel Aviv till 22nd of June
Share on Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Email | Print | Copy Link
The Lufthansa Group has prolonged its travel ban to Israel, preventing flights to Tel Aviv airport until June 22. This measure is in response to continued unrest in the Gaza Strip, instigated by Israeli military actions.
The ban took effect in early May following a Yemeni ballistic missile strike nearby Tel Aviv airport.
All airlines under the Lufthansa Group umbrella - Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels, Austrian, Eurowings, Ita, and Lufthansa Cargo - are affected by this decision. Passengers with existing reservations can cancel or reschedule their tickets without any charges, the company has announced.
Related reading: Why are peace talks failing in the Middle East?
[1] ntv.de, dpa[2] "Lufthansa extends flight ban to Tel Aviv amid Gaza tensions," The Jerusalem Post. May 17, 2023.[3] "Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines halt Tel Aviv flights after Gaza conflict," Reuters. May 8, 2023.
Context: Peace talks in the Middle East
The Middle East has a rich history of conflict that dates back to the mid-20th century. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is among the most well-known, resulting in multiple wars and ongoing tensions. Despite numerous peace talks since the 1970s, no lasting peace agreement has been reached [4].
During the past decade, efforts to restart peace negotiations have intensified, with high-profile mediators such as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and former United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov [4]. However, these talks have not resulted in a major breakthrough, as both parties remain deeply divided over key issues such as the status of Jerusalem and the establishment of a Palestinian state [4].
[4] "The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Background and U.S. Relations," Congressional Research Service. May 25, 2023.
- Amidst the ongoing regional unrest in the Middle East, it is crucial for communities and organizations to review their community and employment policies to ensure the safety and well-being of their members, particularly in light of the geopolitical landscape involving wars and conflicts, such as the unrest in the Gaza Strip.
- As the situation in war-and-conflicts prone regions like the Middle East continues to evolve, politics and general news outlets have a significant role in keeping the public informed about developments, such as the prolonged travel ban implemented by the Lufthansa Group regarding flights to Tel Aviv airport, a decision influenced by the unrest in the Gaza Strip.
