by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Mon October 9, 2023
Update: October 10, 2023, at 1:59 p.m. ET
The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) said it was deeply
saddened by the events that took place at its southern border with Gaza on
Saturday, October 7. As a result, the government has declared a state of
emergency.
The IMOT shared a comment on the current situation:
“The safety and security of our visitors is our top
priority, and we are working to ensure their well-being in every way possible.
IMOT, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is working to assist those
who wish to depart from Israel. While U.S. carriers have suspended flights to
Israel, Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, and many flights are
still departing Israel.”
In addition, Collette announced the cancellation of all
departures to Israel through the remainder of the calendar year. Future
departures for January 1, 2024, and on will be evaluated well before travel.
Over the weekend, Collette ensured that nearly 100 travelers
who were on tour in the region could fly home safely. The company decided to
move groups North to Jordan so they could fly out of the Amman airport rather
than wait for flights out of Tel Aviv.
“We are deeply saddened by the events that transpired in
Israel over the weekend, and we hope that the Israeli people will be able to
quickly bring safety, security and stability back to the region,” said Jeff
Roy, Executive Vice President at Collette. “As a result of these events, we
will cancel all departures to Israel through December 31, 2023. For departures
January 1, 2024 and forward, we will closely monitor the developments in Israel
and make operating decisions for these tours at least 60-days in advance of
travel.”
Original Text
The deadly attacks on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent
retaliation have forced airlines, cruise lines and other travel-related
companies serving the region to begin waiving change fees and alter itineraries.
Several major carriers serving the United States—including
American, Delta and United—canceled flights over the weekend and issued travel
advisories. The airlines have suspended operations and waived change fees for scheduled journeys to Ben
Gurion International Airport, which remains open to international flights, through
at least October 14.
United also issued an advisory for Queen Alia International
Airport in Amman, Jordan.
The U.S. Department of State issued a travel
advisory telling Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting
Israel due to “terrorism and civil unrest.” As for Gaza, the government issued
a "do not travel" advisory.
“The situation in Israel remains dynamic; mortar and rocket
fire may take place without warning,” the State Department said on Sunday.
“Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response
officials.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to
Air Missions (NOTAM) warning airlines and pilots from the U.S. to exercise
extreme caution as the attacks and retaliation pose a “potentially hazardous
situation.”
The cruise industry has also been forced to make changes, as
Oceania Cruises’ Nautica and Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam were docked
in Haifa, Israel, when the attacks occurred. The ships departed after all
passengers returned from their shore excursions.
Celestyal announced it would temporarily suspend calling to Israel until the end of November 2023, and the situation would be monitored for any itineraries departing after this date.
Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas altered
its itinerary to avoid a scheduled stop in Israel, while Rhapsody of the Seas was
forced to cancel voyages set for October 9 and October 13.
Celebrity Cruises revealed that Celebrity Apex also skipped
a stop in Israel on Sunday, according to Cruise
Hive.
Tour operators have also been impacted, as Intrepid Travel extended
the cancellations of departures in Israel and the Palestinian Territories through
October 31, with affected customers currently being notified.
While tours in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are
paused, Intrepid departures in neighboring Egypt and Jordan continue as
scheduled. Government travel advisories for Egypt and Jordan remain unchanged,
and both countries remain open for tourism.
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