Israel: Do Not Fly

As noted in APA’s initial update yesterday regarding the safe evacuation of working American Airlines crewmembers from Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the country is now “at war.” The Israeli security cabinet weighed in today, declaring that the country is in a "state of war."

It is not prudent or appropriate to knowingly put our flight crews and passengers in harm's way by maintaining flights into a war zone. Therefore, after careful consideration, I am directing all pilots to cease flight operations to Israel until we can be reasonably assured of the region's safety and security.

In its most recent Travel Advisory regarding Israel issued earlier today, the State Department said that “the situation in Israel continues to be unpredictable” and that “mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning.”

An Oct. 3 travel advisory from the State Department indicated that “terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a NOTAM in response to the current situation stating that “operators are advised to exercise extreme caution.”

Until further notice, if you are scheduled, assigned, or reassigned a pairing into Israel, refuse the assignment by calling your Chief Pilot or IOC Duty Pilot (682-315-4340). Inform them that you are refusing the assignment in accordance with the guidance and cautions issued by the State Department and the FAA.

Fellow pilots, thank you for your understanding and compliance with this directive. We will continue closely monitoring events in Israel and will update you as necessary.