Golan Heights strike impacts aviation sector: Almost all flights canceled to Lebanon, Indian Embassy issues advisory

Israel has claimed that the strike in Golan Heights was implemented by Hezbollah militants but the latter has denied any role in the attack.

A rocket strike Saturday at a soccer field killed at least 11 children and teens, Israeli authorities said, in the deadliest strike on an Israeli target along the country's northern border since the fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah began. (AP Photo)

Amid the Israel-Hamas war, a new stretch of violent fighting is being predicted between Israel and Iran backed Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants after the strike in Golan Heights.

Due to the escalating tensions of a regional war between Israel and Lebanon, several airlines have canceled their flights to Lebanon’s main international airport.

In the latest development, Germany’s Deutsche Lufthansa AG, alongside its subsidiary airlines Swiss International and Eurowings, has announced a halt on its flight operations to and from Beirut until August 6.

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Aegean Airlines of Greece has canceled some flights and said that they are assessing the ground situation for further action. Qatar Airways’ spokesperson said that they will ensure all flights to Beirut are operated during day time.

Advisory for Indian Nationals. pic.twitter.com/SuFyv23dhq

— India in Lebanon (@IndiaInLebanon) July 29, 2024

The Indian Embassy in Beirut also issued a travel advisory on Monday to its citizens in the country and asked them to stay in touch with the embassy and exercise caution.

In a post on X, the embassy said, “In view of the recent developments in the region, all Indian nationals in Lebanon and those planning to travel to Lebanon are advised to exercise caution and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128.”

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The Golan Heights, which is controlled by the Israeli administration, was hit by a rocket last week which killed 12 children in what Israel claims to be the deadliest strike on its territory since October 7 Hamas’ strike.

Israel has claimed that the strike in Golan Heights was implemented by Hezbollah militants but the latter has denied any role in the attack. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited the spot of the attack in Golan Heights and said, “our response will come, and it will be severe.”

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Air France stopped all flight operations to Beirut for July 29 and 30 and the airlines said that they are analyzing the situation on ground.

Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines also canceled and delayed some of its flights due to disruption in schedule amid the tensions.

Additional delays to flights landing on Monday were then announced due to “technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks for aircraft between Lebanon and other destinations,” Reuters reported.

(with inputs from Reuters)

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