“airBaltic” decides on flights to Tel Aviv

Latvian national airline “airBaltic” has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until Sunday, August 11, for security reasons, airBaltic representative Augusts Zilberts told LETA, referring to the spread of the conflict in the Middle East.

He pointed out that the security situation in Israel can change, so the airline maintains flexibility and is ready to change the flight schedule if necessary. Accordingly, there is a possibility, if necessary, to cancel flights even after August 11.

Zilberts noted that “airBaltic” is continuously evaluating the current situation in Israel, monitoring the Latvian authorities and international institutions, including proposals and requirements sent by -insurance out, in addition to the airline maintaining close contact with national and international authorities, assessing possible risks for flights. Israel.

At the same time, “airBaltic” has developed backup procedures and other routes – if the situation escalates, flights to Dubai are not planned to be made through Iraqi airspace, but through the​​​​ Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Zilbert said.

For example, he mentioned the flight to Dubai on Sunday, August 4, where cross-flight permits were prepared for the use of the airspace of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and if necessary, the flight would be special done through another route.

As the tension in the security situation continues and as there are serious risks of it rising in the Middle East region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) once again calls on Latvian nationals not to ‘ travel to Israel.

As the LETA group was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry invites Latvian citizens who are present in the national country to follow the development of the situation and the recommendations of the local security services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly urges citizens who went on a short trip to Israel to register on the Consular Register.

In connection with the current security situation in the region, as well as the increasing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that to visit Lebanon at this time. The Ministry asks nationals from Latvia who are in Lebanon to leave the territory of Lebanon as soon as possible.

LETA already announced that the German airline “Lufthansa” and its group airlines have also canceled more flights to the Middle East due to safety reasons. Flights to Israel, Tehran and Beirut were canceled until Monday, August 12, inclusive.

The canceled flights come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

In addition to Lufthansa, the group “Lufthansa” also includes the national airline of Austria “Austrian Airlines”, the national airline of Switzerland “Swiss”, the national airline of Belgium “Brussels Airlines” and the German low-cost airline “Eurowings”.