Thousands of air passengers have had travel plans disrupted after all foreign airlines suspended flights to and from Israel’s Tel Aviv airport.
The decision came after a Hamas rocket landed nearby.
A Delta Airlines flight from New York was diverted to Paris, causing a headache for its 273 passengers.
“They explained to us why they were doing it. There was a bit of confusion on the plane earlier on. But I think, we’re on the ground now, they were extremely helpful,” said Daniel Leon, one of those on board.
“We don’t understand what we’re supposed to be doing, everyone’s kind of hectic, the lines were broken trying to get to a new hotel or a new flight,” another passenger, Marlon Pelayo, explained.
At Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, only Israel’s regular carriers are continuing routine operations.
Reports say Negev desert airport may be opened to foreign carriers, but some airlines are thought to be reticent.
Israel has criticised airlines and aviation authorities, saying Tel Aviv airport is safe and suspending flights is rewarding terrorism.
