AEGEAN Cancels Flights to/from Tel Aviv after Hamas Attacks Israel
Greek carrier AEGEAN on Saturday announced that it was cancelling all flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport of Tel Aviv due to the recent developments between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
The airline noted that all flights to Tel Aviv would be cancelled from Saturday and for the next 48 hours.
“Passengers with tickets to Tel Aviv are entitled to either a full refund or ticket change at no cost,” the announcement said. Passengers are advised to call (+30) 210 6261000 for further information.
Hamas on Saturday launched a surprise attack on Israel killing at least 40 people and wounding hundreds. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in retaliation announced war against Hamas.
AEGEAN is just one of the airlines cancelling flights to Israel following the Hamas attack. According to reports, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair, Air France, Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines, Delta and Turkish Airlines are among the airline companies to cancel flights to and from Israel.
Emergency contact numbers for Greeks in Israel and Palestinian territories
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the following emergency telephone numbers of the Embassy of Greece in Israel and the Consulate General in Jerusalem for Greek citizens currently in Israel and Palestinian territories:
– Emergency telephone number of the Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv: +972544808297
– Emergency telephone number of the Consulate General of Greece in Jerusalem: +972523032253
UPDATE: Repatriation of Greek citizens
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday informed that is in constant contact with Greek visitors currently in the region through the Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv and the Consulate General in Jerusalem.
Of the 149 registered Greek individuals, 81, who participated in two organized tours, on Sunday, October 8, departed at 21:30 from Ben Gurion Airport on a scheduled El Al flight directly to Athens.
For the remaining individual visitors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that efforts are being made to ensure their safe return at the earliest possible time.
According to reports, a large number of Israeli tourists are in Greece for holidays, both in Athens and the islands. Recent official data said that airline seat capacity on flights from Israel to Greece for the month of October amounts to over 100,000.