As a result of the military escalation taking place in the Middle East following the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, the Latvian airline airBaltic announced that it will cancel all its flights to and from Tel Aviv until January 1, 2024.
«The safety and security of passengers, employees and flights is the main priority of airBaltic,» they stated in a social media post, adding that they remain in close contact with national and international authorities. Due to the flexible nature of their operations, they are prepared to adjust their flight schedule as needed.
Passengers affected by this airBaltic measure can request a ticket refund or choose other options through the airline’s website or by calling +371 6700 6006.
Until October 7, the date of Hamas’s terrorist incursion, airBaltic operated three weekly flights between its hub in Riga (RIX) and Tel Aviv (TLV) using Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The company maintains a presence in the Middle East with three weekly flights to Dubai (DXB).
Most international airlines suspended their flights to Tel Aviv in the days following the attack, and, at least so far, the airport’s flight panel only shows operations from Georgian Airways, Uzbekistan Airways, Flydubai, Etihad Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines, in addition to the local carriers El Al, Israir Airlines, and Arkia Israeli Airlines.