British Airways Crew Criticize Forced Flights to War-Torn Tel Aviv Amid Rising Tensions
BRITISH Airways crew expressed frustration at being compelled to fly to Tel Aviv despite easyJet cancelling all flights from the UK to Israel for a six-month period due to heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Other Airlines Halting Services to Israel
Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, United Airlines, and Wizz Air were among the ten carriers that halted services following Iran’s attacks on Israel.
BA Crew Facing Disciplinary Consequences
British Airways crew members were informed that failure to work on flights to Tel Aviv would result in disciplinary actions. Employees have urged the implementation of a ‘volunteer list’ to ensure that only willing crew members are rostered for these flights.
Concerns Raised in Internal Chat Room
An internal chat room discussion at BA saw a Captain questioning the lack of a duty of care towards the cabin crew team amid the situation. Crew members expressed their lack of confidence in the airline’s handling of the potentially perilous circumstances.
Pressure on BA to Justify Operational Decisions
Crew members requested proper rationale from BA regarding the decision to continue flights to a conflict-stricken country like Israel. They highlighted the fact that other European carriers had already ceased operations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety over financial considerations.
Continued Operations Amid Regional Unrest
The ongoing conflict in the region has caused disruptions and cancellations to flights. The recent airstrikes by Iran marked a significant event in air travel disruption since the 9/11 attacks.
Israel’s Response to Iran’s Provocations
Following Iran’s direct assault, Israel temporarily closed its airspace, causing further complications for airlines operating in the region. The geopolitical tensions have forced airlines to reroute flights to avoid Iranian airspace.
Assurance of Safety Measures by BA
In response to concerns, British Airways reiterated their commitment to regularly assessing the situation in Tel Aviv and ensuring the safety of all flights operated by the airline.