European airlines cancel Tel Aviv flights amid escalating conflict

London

BRITISH Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Iberia all cancelled flights to Tel Aviv as European carriers joined US airlines in avoiding flying to Israel amid an escalating conflict there.

"The safety and security of our colleagues and customers is always our top priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely," British Airways said after cancelling its flights to and from Tel Aviv on Thursday.

UK-based Virgin Atlantic cancelled a flight there late on Wednesday and said it was reviewing whether to operate its Thursday evening flight.

Spanish airline Iberia also cancelled its Tel Aviv flights on Thursday and Friday, a spokeswoman said, adding the airline will make a decision on future flights based on the evolution of the situation.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines on Wednesday all cancelled flights between the United States and Tel Aviv.

An explosion of violence, with fighting in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip causing mounting civilian deaths, have made international airlines wary of the region. REUTERS

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