EASYJET has cancelled all flights from the UK to Israel for more than six months because of spiralling tensions in the Middle East.
The popular budget airline will not reopen routes to Tel Aviv until October 27 this year.
AlamyEasyJet has cancelled all flights to Israel until October 27[/caption]
Footage from Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend
Leaders around the world fear the conflict could explode into a full-blown war
A spokesperson for the airline said: “As a result of the continued evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has now taken the decision to suspend its flights to Tel Aviv for the remainder of the summer season.”
They added: “Customers booked to fly on this route up to this date are being offered options, including a full refund.”
The company had previously suspended flights until April 21, but has extended the ban for the entire summer season.
It comes after Iran launched a huge barrage of more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday night.
Tel Aviv’s own airspace was closed on Saturday evening in anticipation of the hit.
The IDF and allied forces shot down the rockets, but leaders around the world are waiting with baited breath to see what follows.
Netanyahu’s war cabinet has sworn an “imminent” response and there are fears the IDF could even strike Iranian nuclear sites.
World leaders are holding their breath to see if an “uncontrollable war” breaks out in the tumultuous region.
EasyJet is not the only airline to resort to such measures in response to the ongoing chaos in the Middle East.
German airline Lufthansa said flights to Beirut and Tehran would be cancelled until at least April 18.
Dutch company KLM cancelled all fights to and from Tel Aviv until today.
Australian airline Qantas is changing flight routes to avoid Iranian airspace entirely.
And Virgin Atlantic said: “We are not currently overflying Iraq, Iran, or Israel, but we continue to monitor the situation for any potential impact on our operations.
“The safety and security of our customers and people is paramount and always will be. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers by slightly longer flight times.”
British Airways is also monitoring the situation closely, ready to suspend its own flights if necessary.
Wizz Air said passengers could see changes made to their flight schedules as it keeps an eye on the evolving situation.
Qatar Airlines did briefly suspend flights to Iranian airports in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan, but has since resumed them.
The EU’s Aviation Safety Agency said it is keeping an eye out for any potential safety risks.
“The European Commission and EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any potential safety risks for EU aircraft operators and be ready to act as appropriate,” a statement read.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Can I get a refund if my connecting flight is cancelled?
If you missed your connecting flight because your first flight was delayed, you are entitled to a flight back to your original departure point.
Once you decide to take a refund or to travel later than the first available flight, your airline has no obligation to provide you with food, drink or accommodation.
If you are on a package holiday and you decide not to travel on your outbound flight, you may lose your holiday too, we recommend you contact your package organiser or the airline for further information.
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
How can I find out if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
The best way to check if your flights are cancelled are to find to the website of the airport you are flying out of to find your flight number.