Urgent| Despite complying with its conditions, foreign airlines refuse to return to Israeli airspace

Foreign airlines still refuse to fly over Israel’s airspace despite complying with its conditions, regarding the Aviation Services Law, which aims to reduce compensation for flight delays and cancellations, according to what the “Globes” newspaper reported. Last week, the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee voted in favor of amending the Aviation Services Law, which protects the rights of passengers in the event of a flight delay or cancellation, and the amendment was one of the conditions for airline companies. Foreign flights to return to Israel.

 

It is noteworthy that as a result of the Israeli war on Gaza, many flights to and from Israel were delayed and cancelled, which prompted travelers to demand financial compensation from these companies. Expensive This is what I rejected.

 

The amendment reduces the compensation conditions that airlines must provide to passengers whose flights are cancelled. 

 

Foreign airlines demanded the change due to the frequent need to cancel flights during the war and the high cost of providing alternative flights for passengers on different airlines.

 

The newspaper noted “Globes” – in a report – noted that despite the approval of the Economic Affairs Committee and the positive signal received by foreign airlines that their demands had been met, the response on their part has been minimal so far.

 

Sources in the aviation industry told the newspaper that there is almost no contact with foreign airlines, with the aim of resuming their services to Israel.  At the same time, the pace of events in Israel, especially missile attacks from Yemen, creates a new challenge for airlines.

 

A plane belonging to the Greek airline Aegean was forced to stop in Larnaca. On its way to Israel; Because of the sirens that warn of an incoming missile.

 

According to the report, a date has not yet been set for a final vote on amending the Aviation Services Law in the Knesset, however, the return of foreign airlines It will depend mainly on the stability of the security situation.

 

The new law stipulates that the state shall bear 50% of the operational losses of airline companies in the event of cancellation of flights for reasons Wish.

 

The head of the Economic Affairs Committee in Israel, David Bitan, stated that the draft law will not be put to a final vote until it is confirmed that the government is committed to compensating companies that increase the number of Its flights to North America, such as "Arkia" And “Israel”, as this decision poses a great risk to them. Air France, which was among the vocal supporters of the amendment, announced that it would suspend its flights to Israel for an additional week despite the amendment. Companies such as “Ryan Air” explained: The amendment alone is not sufficient for her return to Israel, indicating the necessity of reopening Terminal 1. At Ben Gurion Airport for international flights.

 

Before the Israeli war on Gaza, 90 foreign airlines were operating at Ben Gurion Airport, while the number has now decreased to 26 companies. Only.  Despite the announcement of “Air Seychelles” announced the resumption of its flights, but it operates a limited number of flights, leaving a minimal impact on the sector.  

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related