Easyjet cancels Israel flights amid fears of wider conflict

EASYJET has cancelled flights to Israel for almost a week amid fears that the Israelis are preparing to launch a retaliation strike against Iran.

The airline had already paused flights to Tel Aviv until at least today but in a new statement it said this would now continue until Sunday April 21 “due to the evolving situation”, referring to continued concern of escalating conflict in the Middle East after Iran launched a drone and missile strike against Israel last Saturday.

The Israelis and allies, including the RAF, shot down almost all the drones and missiles sent by Tehran but there are fears Israel will launch a response. The Israel Defense Forces said the war cabinet had approved “offensive and defensive action” but Joe Biden, the US president, and Britain’s Rishi Sunak have urged Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint.

While easyjet has suspended services because of the uncertainty, rival carriers are continuing to fly. British Airways said it intended to keep running services to Tel Aviv, with one flight leaving Heathrow yesterday morning.

A spokesman said: “We are keeping everything under review but, at present, we have not altered our plans for flights to Tel Aviv.”

Commercial flights were allowed to resume from 7.30am local time yesterday and Israeli carrier El Al said it intended to begin operations “as soon as possible”. Low-cost airline Wizz Air also confirmed it suspended services on Sunday but expected to resume today. It said: “All passengers affected by the schedule changes will be provided with rebooking or refund options.”

An easyjet spokesman said: “Customers on affected flights have been contacted directly via SMS and email via the details provided at the time of booking.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew is always easyjet’s highest priority.”