Jerusalem – Israeli airline El Al said it would not cancel any flights as air travel to Israel from all American carriers and several European ones came to a halt on Tuesday after the Federal Aviation Authority banned US airlines from traveling to and from Ben Gurion Airport for 24 hours.
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“There is no chance we will stop operations,” an El Al spokesman told the Post.
In labor disputes with the government, El Al has argued that it is the only airline the country can rely on to continue flying during tough security times, and that Israel should foot more of the bill for its security needs. During the 1991 Gulf war, every airline but El Al suspended service to Israel.
The FAA’s decision followed the successful firing of a Hamas rocket into a house in Yehud, near Ben Gurion Airport, earlier in the day.
Transportation Minister Israel Katz called on American aviation companies to return to normal functioning, stressing that Ben-Gurion airport was safe from for take-offs and landings, and that there was no security concern for passenger planes.
“There is no reason for the American companies to stop their flight and give a prize to terror,” he said.
Typical Israeli attitude response.
Proud of them. That is 99% of their market.
I think the FAA stopping flights to Israel is just to pressure Israel so US has one more tool to pressure Israel to stop.
If they are able, they could stick it to all the airlines by accepting tickets made to airlines not flying. Granted something would have to be worked out with the non flying airline but this would be a great chap for ElAl.
Michael Savage claims that the whole FAA suspension is the way our “Muslim Sisterhood President” Obama sanctions Israel, under the guise of so called saaaffffeettty…. Once again I couldn’t agree more with Dr Savage!
Nope, safety comes first in commercial aviation. I can see why El Al is still taking the risk, that is their job. Other airlines would be irresponsible if they flew into an airport under fire.
I wonder if the Bad guys figured this out, or if they just got lucky.
SHAME ON THE FAA !!!!!!
Suspend travel to Chicago for all those killings there
Aos all ELAL pilots are experienced IAF piolts, plus all ELAL planes are equipped with anti missile defense systems…. so ELAL may not have such great service but they still are the safest airline in the world.
I think it’s great. It shows that Chamas is not using sling shots.
If they can close airspace it gives us more reason to finish them off.
That’s the way I see it
Of course I feel bad for all those cancelled passengers.
Hey, Paul: This bubba meises which you’ve been expounding about how “the FAA values safety” when it made its decision to ground flights, is simply not true. For decades, the FAA knew about the threat of hijackings and terror incidents to U.S. domestic carriers, but did nothing. In fact, the FAA, as well as the airlines were lukewarm to the idea of having armed security on board flights. The FAA did not mandate mandatory screening of passenger luggage, even after several US planes were bombed, and blown out of the sky. The FAA has ignored many safety recommendations of the NTSB for years, regarding fuel tanks, hydraulic systems, life vests, etc. In fact, the FAA almost allowed passengers to again carry knives on flights!