Here’s a quick update on the situation in Israel in terms of tourism.
In a statement sent out today by Haim Gutin, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North & South America, Gutin notes that “tourism is continuing, and hotels, restaurants, tourist sites and holy places are open as usual. And it is important to understand that no ban has been proposed, but the State Department has urged Americans to ‘consider’ the situation.” He continues, “Please know that life in Israel, and tourism to Israel, goes on and we welcome all visitors in peace. Some 75,000 tourists are in the country, and their travel arrangements are proceeding as planned.”
Regarding the embargo on U.S. airlines’ flights to Israel imposed by the FAA, Gutin notes that “a variety of airlines including British Airways, EL AL Israel Airlines, Arkia Israel Airlines and Israir are continuing as scheduled. Indeed, we expect all Israeli airlines to add additional flights to absorb passengers from cancelled flights.”
Additionally, Danny Saadon, EL AL vice president/general manager for North and Central America, stated in a press release sent out today to the media that “EL AL will continue to maintain the Israeli skies open and serve our customers in the best possible way. The support for Israel and EL AL is important and deeply appreciated.”
EL AL states that it will continue to maintain its regular flight schedule worldwide, including the USA/Israel route in which five daily nonstops are offered (except for Shabbat). When possible, EL AL is adding flights to Israel and various destinations throughout the world to accommodate stranded passengers. For information on EL AL flights, visit elal.com.
