Israeli air strikes in Lebanon caused disruptions at the country’s main airport, flights were delayed and passengers were stranded

Hezbollah planned a massive attack on central Tel Aviv on Sunday, firing more than 6,000 rockets in retaliation for the killing of Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander. Israel preempted the attack by attacking key Hezbollah military facilities in Lebanon. Several rocket launchers and other military facilities in Lebanon were attacked, although Hezbollah claimed it still managed to fire 320 rockets and drones into Israeli territory.

During these attacks, the Israel Airports Authority closed Ben Gurion Airport at 5 a.m. and reopened it two hours later, urging passengers to check the status of their flights.

Many travelers gathered at the airport hoping to leave, but most flights from Tel Aviv were delayed and some were canceled for the day.

“On the way to the airport, I received the news that the flight was cancelled. I had been here hours before and immediately asked at the information desk if there was an alternative. They told me that if I had found a flight to Cyprus from here at my expense, they could have flown me on to London,” Henry Hoffmann, an Israeli citizen who was scheduled to fly to London, told The Media Line.

The situation is calm; there is no reason for flight cancellations

“The situation is calm, there is no reason to cancel flights. … The airport is operating as usual, I believe even flights to Beirut are being offered again,” said Hoffmann.

Meanwhile, life in Tel Aviv seemed to be going on as usual. People gathered as usual to shop at the Carmel Market.

“Tel Aviv is not a dangerous place, there have been no major problems here. Because of what is happening, there are places in Israel that are more at risk right now, like the north and the south, but Tel Aviv is a safe place and hopefully every corner of Israel will be safe again,” Or, a Tel Aviv resident, told The Media Line.

Tourism has not only been at risk over the past ten months, but has been further affected by recent events between Israel and Hezbollah.

Before the killing of Fuad Shukr and Haniyeh, there were some reservations – about 10 to 15 people came. Since then, there have been no reservations.

“Before the assassination of Fuad Shukr and (Hamas leader Ismail) Haniyeh, we had some reservations – about 10 to 15 people. Since then, we have had none. The recent problems at the airport have only made the situation worse,” Asaf Ben Ari, CEO of Bein Harim Tourism Services, told The Media Line.

“Our government is pretty terrible. We as tourism companies and tour operators are not receiving any compensation. We are deeply affected and will certainly continue to be. We used to have 45 employees, now we have only six. Unfortunately, we have had to lay off people,” added Ben Ari.

Our government is terrible. … We are deeply affected and will certainly continue to be so.

He also mentioned that some people he knows are affected by the current problems with flights in and out of the country.

“A good friend of mine was supposed to fly to London yesterday, but her flight was cancelled and she still doesn’t know when the next flight is. Another friend was on her way back from Croatia but got stuck there. Today they are trying to find a solution through third countries, but it is very chaotic,” he concluded.

Giorgia Valente recently graduated from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice and is an intern in The Media Line’s Press and Politics student program.