Amid the ever-evolving situation in Israel, Gaza and surrounding regions, we’ve established a reliable hub to keep you in the loop with the most current and accurate travel industry updates.
We’ll continue to refresh stories from the Middle East as they come to hand, so be sure to check back for all the information you require.
Do you have any info or news to share about what you’re experiencing? Please email us at editor@karryon.com.au.
Oceania launches 2024 itineraries with 42 revised itineraries
Monday 6 November 2023
Oceania Cruises has updated its 2024 Mediterranean schedule, replacing ports of call in Israel, Egypt, and Jordan with 42 revised itineraries.
The Middle Eastern destinations have been replaced with a combination of popular Mediterranean favourites, as well as new destinations. The revised itineraries range from 10 to 58 days in duration.
“Our captivating new voyages have been carefully curated to combine beloved beach resorts and jet-set playgrounds with ancient cities steeped in tradition,” stated Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Royal Caribbean removes Israel from 2024 itineraries
Monday 6 November 2023
Royal Caribbean is removing Israel from its 2024 itineraries due to the Israel-Hamas war, according to an email sent to travel agents on Thursday seen by Reuters, making it the second major U.S. cruise operator to alter its plans over the conflict.
The Miami, Florida-based cruise operator is modifying itineraries as late as October 2024 for its Royal Caribbean International unit that stops in Israel, the email said.
Travel has declined sharply across Israel and the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank. International air carriers have halted trips to top destinations such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as the conflict continues.
Royal Caribbean told investors last week that itineraries that included Israel account for less than 1.5 per cent of its capacity for 2024.
The safest countries to travel to in the Middle East right now
Monday, 30 October 2023
While conflict rages on in the Israel-Hamas war, parts of the Middle East are almost entirely risk-free for travellers. So, which countries does the Australian Government deem safest in the region right now?
There are only three Middle Eastern nations for which DFAT gives the lowest level of travel advice. And unsurprisingly, they’re on the Gulf (eastern) side of the region: the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar and Oman.
While the government advises Australians to ‘Exercise normal safety precautions’ in these countries, it does warn that ‘Conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region’ could impact even the UAE and Qatar.
In Oman, whose travel advice has not been updated during the latest Middle East conflict, travellers have only been warned to ‘Reconsider their need to travel’ to the rarely visited border areas with Yemen.
According to the 2023 edition of the Insight Out Consulting-Phocuswright ‘Middle East Travel Market Report’, the UAE expects to see double-digit growth in visitor arrivals in 2023.
The largest travel market in the Middle East, the Emirates (as a whole) was one of the first destinations to recover its tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research also found that Qatar’s tourism sector experienced a huge recovery last year, driven by the FIFA World Cup, the ongoing expansion of Qatar’s infrastructure and the growing popularity of the country as a tourist destination.
By 2030, Qatar expects to welcome six to seven million visitors annually.
MSC Cruises updates itineraries for safety
Thursday, 26 October 2023
MSC Cruises has cancelled its winter program for MSC Orchestra due to its proximity to Israel and bordering countries’ restrictions.
Changes are also being made to other itineraries amid the current geopolitical situation.
Travel restrictions and government advisories in certain destinations prompted these actions.
The winter program for MSC Sinfonia, highlighting Haifa in Israel, has also been cancelled.
Minor itinerary adjustments are being implemented for MSC Virtuosa, MSC Opera, MSC Splendida, and two 11-night sailings for MSC Armonia.
Affected passengers have the option to switch to a similar cruise or request a full refund.
MSC Cruises reaffirms its commitment to passenger and crew safety, monitoring and modifying ship itineraries as needed.
Elsewhere, Royal Caribbean has cancelled the remainder of the Rhapsody of the Seas’ 2023 sailings from Haifa, while Oceania has removed calls in Israel for three sailings until the end of the year.
Windstar moves Middle East to Med
Thursday, 26 October 2023
Windstar Cruises has shifted the schedule for Star Legend from the Middle East to the Mediterranean due to safety concerns stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The new 2023/24 winter schedule will now take in visits to well-known ports such as Barcelona, Nice, Florence, Marseille, and Rome.
“The ship was originally scheduled to sail in the Middle East. We’ve postponed our launch in that region to begin in November 2024,” Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog said.
“With a ship in the Mediterranean, we saw an opportunity to offer guests a legendary winter season in Europe.
“Our small ships and intimate atmosphere provide a truly unique way to explore Europe’s winter wonderlands, while enjoying the magic of the season and the comforts and casual luxury that Windstar is known for.”
Hotels half full with evacuees; some warn of collapse
Wednesday, 25 October 2023
With tourists fleeing war-torn Israel en masse over the past two weeks, Israeli hotels have taken on new guests: tens of thousands of people displaced by the Israel-Hamas war.
According to Reuters, the CEO of the Israel Hotel Association said last week that half of the country’s hotel rooms are being used to house evacuees from communities near the Gaza Strip.
That’s 28,000 of 56,000 total rooms, with the government footing the bill, said CEO Yael Danieli.
Making matters worse, tens of thousands of displaced residents from border towns with Lebanon are expected to add to the demand.
With properties in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Herzliya, the Dan Hotel chain and rival Isrotel are among the properties providing accommodation for evacuees.
But some hotels have warned of bankruptcy due to unpaid bills by the state.
According to the Jerusalem Post, one hotel owner said, “If we don’t receive payment promptly, we may have to ask the evacuees to leave, as we are on the brink of bankruptcy.”
In Ashkelon in the country’s south, civilian evacuations have been suspended due to a lack of hotel rooms, local authorities said earlier this week.
“Up to today, despite full readiness for evacuating residents, there are no available hotel rooms across the country,” the coastal city’s municipality said, according to radio station Kan Darom.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry said there was was currently no shortage of hotel rooms.
Elsewhere, global accommodation giant IHG Hotels and Resorts said it was monitoring the situation in Israel closely and had increased security measures in and around their hotels, Reuters reported.
Six Senses Shaharut and Hotel Indigo Tel Aviv – Diamond District have temporarily closed, but other hotels in Israel remain open, an IHG spokesperson said.
Is Cyprus safe?
Tuesday, 24 October 2023
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for those in Cyprus, flagging an increased risk of demonstrations relating to the hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
A popular tourist destination for northern Europeans seeking sun and sea, Cyprus is located around 200kms off the coast of Lebanon, which is now a no-go zone for travellers.
“Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations are likely,” the UK Government warns.
“Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.”
In an update on Friday, The Standard reported that flights and holidays to the country were unaffected.
The Australian Government advises Aussies to “Exercise a high degree of caution” in Cyprus in its latest travel advice for the country, which was updated on 19 October.
But this is due to the UN peacekeeping operation in the country that maintains a buffer zone between the “Republic of Cyprus” and “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and not directly linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“There are additional security measures in place at Larnaca and Pafos airports. You should arrive at your terminal at least 3 hours before your flight’s departure time,” DFAT adds.
The US Government advises its citizens to “Exercise normal precautions in Cyprus”, but warned “some areas have increased risk”.
Middle East Airlines moves fleet, cancels flights
Tuesday, 24 October 2023
Middle East Airlines (MEA), the national carrier of Lebanon, has shifted most of its aircraft from Beirut to Qatar, Oman, Cyprus and other nearby countries as the Israel-Hamas war rages on. As a consequence of the reshuffle, the carrier has been forced to reschedule or cancel many of its flights. According to Airways, MEA chair Mohammed Al-Hout said only eight of the airline’s aircraft would currently remain operational.
“Our priority is to secure communication between Lebanon and the rest of the world,” he said.
“We don’t have security information about a possible attack on the airport in Lebanon but references and all the information we [have] indicated that the operations will remain within the rules of engagement and under control in southern Lebanon.”
Govt helping 77 Aussies in Gaza; airports hit
Monday, 23 October 2023
The Australian Government is extending assistance to 77 citizens, permanent residents, and family members affected by the conflict in the Gaza Strip, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
The update comes as Israel tells those in the north of Gaza to head south before a ground invasion, reports the ABC.
Meanwhile, DFAT has upgraded its travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“We now advise do not travel to the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) due to the volatile security situation,” it says on its Smartraveller website.
“We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall and do not travel to Gaza, border areas with Gaza and border areas with Lebanon.”
Elsewhere, flights have been rerouted out of Syria, after Israeli missiles struck the country’s two main airports, Damascus and Aleppo, the SANA state news agency reported on Sunday.
According to PBS, more than 1,400 people (mostly civilians) have been killed in Israel since the war began, while the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza says over 4,300 Palestinians have been killed.
US issues worldwide travel alert
Sunday, 22 October 2023
The United States Government has issued a “Worldwide Caution” for any American citizens travelling outside of the country.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs advises on its website.
The U.S. recommends citizens “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists” and enrol in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts when travelling.
According to CNN, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said that “we take a number of factors into consideration when making that determination to issue a worldwide alert”.
“It’s not necessarily any one thing but everything that we’re watching around the world,” he said at a recent State Department update.
Last week, the U.S. also raised its travel advice for Lebanon and Israel to the highest level.
Travel advice for Lebanon now higher than Israel & Palestinian Territories
Friday, 20 October 2023
The government has upgraded its official travel advice to Lebanon to the highest level due to deteriorating security amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The elevated travel warning – to “Do not travel” (level four) – lifts its advice for the country above that for Israel and the Palestinian Territories, where the government recommends Australians “Reconsider your need to travel” (level three).
On its Smartraveller website, DFAT puts the new warning down to “the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further”.
“Daily military action is occurring in southern Lebanon and could escalate quickly,” it states.
“If you’re in Lebanon and wish to leave, you should depart through the first available commercial option as soon as you’re able to do so.” “Airports may pause operations with little notice due to heightened security concerns. This may cause flight delays or cancellations for a sustained period.” “The Australian Government’s ability to assist you to depart Lebanon will be very limited in a deteriorating security situation.”
It also asserts that “Terrorist attacks could occur anytime and anywhere, including in Beirut”.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on social media on Thursday the government “has serious concerns over the security situation in Lebanon”.
“Today, we have upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Lebanon to Do Not Travel. This means, if you are an Australian in Lebanon, you should consider leaving now, if it is safe to do so,” she wrote.
“Commercial departure options remain available – but this may change with little notice during a crisis.”
The upgraded advice aligns with new US and UK government warnings for Lebanon.
The advice for neighbouring Syria is also “Do not travel”.
What’s going on in Jordan?
Friday, 20 October 2023
Jordan’s border with Israel is less than 100 kms from the main conflict zones in Gaza and Israel. But the country remains mostly open for tourism, while its airports continue to operate as normal.
DFAT’s overall advice level for the country also remains the same – at level two (‘Exercise a high degree of caution’). Instead, higher travel warnings are in place for the region that borders Syria and Iraq, where “security is unstable”.
Yesterday (19 October), DFAT updated its overall travel advice for Jordan in light of the ongoing war.
Some land border crossings from Israel into Jordan are scheduled to be opened daily, but crossings may close without notice and for an unknown period of time.
You need a visa to enter Jordan. Visas on arrival are available but be prepared for delays when crossing into Jordan.
If you’re departing Israel to Jordan, check the Jordanian and Israeli government websites to determine if border crossings are open before travel.
Avoid protests and large public gatherings. Monitor local media for updates and follow instructions of authorities.
According to euronews, the Jordan Tourism Board stated that the country is a “safe and welcoming destination for tourists around the world”.
“Our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all visitors remains unwavering,” a recent statement said.
“We want to reassure everyone that Jordan’s borders are open to tourists, and we are eager to share our extraordinary experiences with the world.”
Government data shows that from January to July this year, Jordan welcomed 50 per cent more tourists – 3 million – compared to the same period in 2022, Arab News reported.
Australia’s final Tel Aviv flight today
Thursday, 19 October 2023
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil says a repatriation flight leaving Tel Aviv today is the last planned flight by the Australian government. While more services might be possible, Australians wanting to leave Israel are strongly urged to take this flight, the minister told ABC News Breakfast.
Meanwhile, 46 Australians in Gaza have registered with the government to leave the war-torn area.
O’Neil emphasised the limited transport options in the region and urged those in Gaza to understand the challenging situation and prepare for their departure. The government is actively working on a plan to help Aussies in Gaza.
Meanwhile, another repatriation flight carrying 252 passengers, half of whom were Australian citizens, arrived in Sydney this morning.
Is Egypt safe?
Thursday, 19 October 2023
While its border with Gaza is closed, Egypt’s other borders remain open. Airlines and travel companies also continue to operate in the country, The Independent reports. Most of the country’s major cities and tourist sites are also a significant distance from the Israel-Egypt border.
Sharm el Sheikh is the closest tourist town, but is over 2.5 hours from the nearest border town and five hours by car from the Gaza border.
DFAT hasn’t updated its travel advice for Egypt since 13 October, but here’s its official advice specifically regarding the new conflict:
- The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions and the security situation could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. Peaceful protests and rallies can turn violent at short notice. Be aware, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for updates.
- The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed or have highly restricted access for long periods and is subject to change at short notice. It has been subject to air strikes during the current Gaza conflict.
Australians arrive home from Israel
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
The first government-chartered flight assisting the repatriation of Australians out of Israel touched down in Sydney on Tuesday.
“The Government’s first assisted departure flight arrived in Sydney last night with 222 passengers – including 164 Australians. We have now assisted the departure of more than 1500 people,” DFAT posted on social media.
“To register to leave call +61 2 6261 3305 (overseas) or 1300 555 135 (Aus.).”
Most of the passengers left Tel Aviv on a Qantas flight on Sunday, before the Qatar Airlines-operated flight (QR7424) flew them from Dubai to Sydney yesterday.
According to SMH, most of the travellers had resided in Israel for several years.
Meanwhile, around 100 passengers landed in Brisbane overnight after transferring through Sydney, the ABC reported.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong posted on X, “Wonderful to see many of them reunited with their families in Australia.”
Rescue buses for Palestinian Australians cancelled
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
As Australians begin to return home on repatriation flights out of Israel, Palestinian Aussies in the West Bank are worried the Australian Government’s attempts to help them flee the region are failing, after rescue buses bound for Jordan were cancelled.
DFAT said it would arrange for buses to carry Australian citizens from the Palestinian city of Ramallah over the border into Jordan due to concerns the dual nationals may not be able to access flights out of Ben Gurion Airport. There is no airport in the West Bank.
However, the buses that were due to depart on Monday and Tuesday morning did not proceed, due to unclear reasons, according to The Guardian. It understands DFAT is not operating the bus transfers directly but utilising available seats on buses provided by governments like Canada for their citizens. Authorities will try to arrange another bus service on Wednesday.
DFAT’s latest advice incl. commercial flights ex-TLV, Jordanian border
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
Just to catch up on the Australian Government’s official advice for travel to Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon (updated on its Smartraveller website) …
We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to the volatile security situation, including the threat of terrorism, armed conflict and civil unrest – we continue to advise do not travel to Gaza and areas near the border with Gaza due to ongoing armed conflict.
We now also advise do not travel to border areas with Lebanon closed by Israeli authorities. Follow the directions of authorities at checkpoints and these closed areas.
The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing. Australians who want to leave are strongly encouraged to take the first available option. Assisted departure flights may not continue. We are contacting registered Australians directly on departure options.
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport remains open and commercial flights are available. Airports may pause operations due to heightened security concerns. This may cause flight delays or cancellations.
Land border crossings to Jordan are open but may close at short notice.
EK ready to repatriation Aussies
Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Emirates is offering to repatriate Aussies looking to flee Israel and return home. This is on top of its regular services between Dubai and Australia.
“We have made aircraft and crew available and put them on standby to activate over the past days, pending confirmation of passenger numbers and other details from the Australian government,” Emirates said in a statement.
Emirates said it has been in “detailed discussions” with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), other government contacts and Qantas, who has already begun flying Aussies out of the conflict zone.
“The situation remains very dynamic, and we continue to work in close co-ordination with our partners on efforts to evacuate and repatriate Australians,” EK added.
“Emirates remains committed to supporting Australia, a community that we have been proud to serve and be a part of, for over 27 years.”
Royal Caribbean evacuating Americans
Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas is working with the U.S. State Department to evacuate Americans from Israel, the cruise company confirmed.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. Embassy in Israel said the vessel would repatriate Americans and their immediate family members to Cyprus.
According to Haifa Port’s official website, the ship is due to depart Israel on Wednesday.
MSC, Celestyal updates
Monday, 16 October 2023
One of the most active cruise lines to operate in and out of the Israeli port Haifa, MSC Cruises has revised its East Mediterranean itineraries for MSC Sinfonia and MSC Musica.
In response to the conflict, MSC has moved 11 sailings for the two vessels until 6 January 2024, after which time the ships will continue as originally planned from Buenos Aires, Argentina (MSC Musica) and Genoa, Italy (MSC Sinfonia).
MSC will replace Sinfonia’s visit to Haifa with Istanbul, Turkey, for the ship’s 21 October departure, and MSC Musica’s visit with Rhodes, Greece, for its 18 and 25 October departures, and Marmaris, Turkey, for its 1 November departure.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority and we have worked rapidly to revise the itineraries of MSC Sinfonia and MSC Musica to offer an extremely attractive alternative for the winter months,” MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said.
Elsewhere, Celestyal has also suspended calls to Israel on its Three Continents cruise until the end of November 2023.
The cruise line says it will monitor the situation for any itineraries departing after this date.
“We are in close coordination with the authorities, and the safety, security, and comfort of our guests remains our upmost priority,” Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides said.
“Our teams will be contacting any affected customers to advise them of the updates to their itineraries and the additional provisions that have been made to ensure their continued enjoyment.”
APT guests repatriated from “important destination”
Monday, 16 October 2023
APT Travel Group Chief Operating Officer Lorna Heyward said, APT was saddened by the current situation in Israel.
“Our team, across operations, customer service and products, worked around the clock to ensure our guests were repatriated as soon as was possible,” she told Karryon.
“Israel is an important destination for our company across all our APT brands, including Travelmarvel and Captains Choice.”
New Lebanon travel warning
Monday, 16 October 2023
The Australian Government has changed its level of advice for travel to neighbouring Lebanon, telling Aussies to “Reconsider your need to travel … due to the security environment” in the Middle Eastern nation.
“If you’re in Lebanon, you should consider whether your need to remain there is essential. If you wish to leave, you should note that a crisis could limit commercial options for departure, and you should consider the first available option,” it says on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Smartraveller website.
“Airports may pause operations due to heightened security concerns and this may cause flight delays or cancellations. The Australian Government’s ability to assist you to depart will be very limited in a crisis. Terrorist attacks could occur anytime and anywhere, including in Beirut.”
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance, should contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
The update comes as clashes near the Israel-Lebanon border escalate to the deadliest they have been in 17 years, SBS reported.
“I am now saying to Australians if you are in Lebanon, you should consider whether your need to remain there is essential,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
“If you wish to leave you, you should consider the first available option.”
Repatriation of Aussies begins
Sunday, 15 October 2023
The Australian Government has begun evacuating Aussies from warn-torn Israel, with the first repatriation flights landing in London over the weekend.
According to the ABC, the first flight – utilising a Qantas plane – carried 238 passengers, who were then offered further flights onto Sydney via Singapore.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed additional flights, using a mix of government-chartered and air force planes, will continue the evacuation.
Brits spending thousands
Saturday, 14 October 2023
The BBC reports some UK tourists are spending thousands of pounds on flights to try to get out of Israel.
While Australian repatriation flights are free, British nationals are being charged £300 per person for flights arranged by the UK Foreign Office on account that they are still commerical services.
And those who aren’t able to get on a repatriation flight, are trying to flee the country by any means possible, for instance, by forking out thousands of pounds on regular passenger services.
Intrepid extends cancellations
Friday, 13 October 2023
After cancelling tours in Israel and the Palestinian Territories up until 31 October 2023, Intrepid Travel has now extended cancellations of tour departures up until and including 31 December 2023. The travel company is now communicating this to all impacted customers and travel agents.
“Intrepid believes extending the suspension through to the end of the year will provide customers with upcoming trips booked with greater certainty and more ability to make alternative travel plans,” it said in a statement.
The company however will continue to operate trips to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan as planned, with travel advisories for those countries unchanged.
Intrepid EMEA MD Zina Bencheikh said, “Our thoughts are with the people of Israel and the Palestinian Territories at this awful time and we send our condolences to all those who have lost loved ones”.
CATO comments
Friday, 13 October 2023
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has expressed its sadness and extended its sympathies to those affected by the ongoing tragedy in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
“As an industry focused on building connections and understanding between cultures, we condemn all violence and hope that peace soon prevails,” it said in a statement.
On travel to the Middle East, the council said “impacted CATO members acted immediately to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff within Israel and suspended all upcoming tours to ensure no new clients would be entering Israel at this time”.
“These actions were some 30 hours ahead of the increase of travel warnings through the DFAT Smartraveller system. This highlights the proactive approach of CATO members who base their decisions on multiple data sources including their on-ground teams and agents.”
The council reiterated that travel to Egypt and Jordan remain open to visitors, with tours operating as scheduled.
It highlighted that October was the start of this region’s high season for tourism.
“Security measures generally in each country have been increased but all hotels and tourist sights are open and operating as normal,” it said in a statement.
Travel agents and travellers are advised to check with their CATO tour operator or wholesaler for any further updates.
Repatriation begins
Thursday, 12 October 2023
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Qantas would commence the repatriation of stranded Australians in war-torn Israel to London from Friday.
Australians stuck in the Middle Eastern nation will likely be offered a third flight next week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong added.
Evacuees may receive further onward support from London.
“There are so many Australians in the area that it’s not completely clear … how many are there, let alone how many are unaccounted for,” the PM said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a Fiji Airways plane has carried 13 Australians out of Israel as well as 16 New Zealanders, on a specially chartered flight.
Read more about these stories here.
Israel Tourism comments; Airport and land borders open
Monday, 9 October 2023
The Israel Ministry of Tourism urged all tourists “to stay close to buildings and protected spaces”. The Ministry also said that the country’s main gateway, Ben Gurion Airport outside of Tel Aviv is “working as usual”. “Please check with your airline if the flight is going as usual,” it advised.
It added that the country’s land borders with Egypt and Jordan are open and “working”.
Meanwhile, Israel’s flag carrier EL AL said on social media, “At the moment, there are no changes to the flight schedule”.
It is however, enabling some concessions for customers who wish to make changes to their travel plans.
According to CNN, by Saturday afternoon carriers had cancelled around 16 per cent and delayed 23 per cent of flights into Ben Gurion, with some services to Israel diverted to other ports.
Read more here.
Tour operators react
Monday, 9 October 2023
Several major tour operators have also given updates since the new conflict erupted.
Adventure tour company Intrepid Travel confirmed it had “a small number of travellers in Israel when violence broke out on Saturday”, but had safely accounted for all customers and tour leaders.
Bunnik Tours said it “currently has no passengers on the ground in Israel”.
“Effective immediately we have suspended all touring in Israel until further notice,” it added.
Small group adventure company Explore Worldwide told Karryon that it had no customers in Israel over the weekend.
G Adventures said it had no tours currently operating, “and travellers on the ground who were due to join an upcoming trip are in the process of being contacted to ensure they are safe and accounted for”.
“Given the rapidly escalating situation and in the interest of the safety and security of our travellers, G Adventures has cancelled six tours in Israel departing up to Friday, 15 October 2023,” it said in a statement.
Read more here.
Israel travel advice
October 2023
Governments around the world have updated advice for travel to Israel after the country formally declared war following new and unprecedented incursions out of Gaza by militant organisation Hamas.
The Australian Government has raised its travel advice for Israel, telling travellers to “Exercise a high degree of caution in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack, rocket fire and military confrontation”.
It also continues to advise travellers to “not travel to Gaza due to the dangerous and uncertain security situation”. Australia’s advice is in line with similar US and UK government warnings.
Read more about this story here.