airBaltic cancels flights to Tel Aviv until August 11 over security concerns

RIGA - Latvian national carrier airBaltic has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until Sunday, August 11, over security concerns, the company's representative Augusts Zilberts told LETA, commenting on a possible widening of the conflict in the Middle East.

The airBaltic representative said that the situation in Israel can be changeable, which is why the airline remains flexible and prepared to change its flight schedule if necessary. This means that airBaltic might cancel flights also beyond August 11.

Zilberts indicated that airBaltic constantly assesses the current situation in Israel, taking into consideration recommendations and requirements issued by the Latvian and international authorities. The airline also keeps in touch with national and international authorities as it assesses possible risks associated with flights to Israel.

At the same time, airBaltic has developed alternative procedures and routes - in the event of an escalation, flights to Dubai would not pass through Iraqi airspace and would be diverted to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Zilberts said.

As an example, he mentioned the flight to Dubai last Sunday, August 4, where overflight permits had been prepared for the use of Egyptian and Saudi Arabian airspace and, if necessary, the flight in question would have taken the alternative route.

As tensions in the Middle East rise and escalation risks in the region persist, the Foreign Ministry repeatedly urges Latvian nationals against traveling to Israel. 

As LETA was told at the Foreign Ministry, Latvian nationals currently staying in Israel are advised to follow the situation and recommendations from local security services. Latvians on short trips to Israel are strongly advised to register with the Consular Register. 

In view of the current security situation in the region, as well as the escalation between Israel and Hezbullah in southern Lebanon, the Foreign Ministry warns against travel to Lebanon. Latvian nationals who are in Lebanon are urged to leave the country as soon as possible.