Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK Following the missile fire from Yemen and specific cancellations of foreign flights, the tourism industry reports an increasing sense of uncertainty. Travel agencies report partial routine alongside concerns and confusion from customers.
We reached out to industry leaders – agents, operators, and airlines – to ask: How does this affect them on the ground, what is the status of orders, and are there expected changes in preparations?
Revital Ben Nathan, CEO of Ophir Tours: "We have been in a dynamic situation for a long time. Many customers, both private and business, have taken steps to prepare for various scenarios, so there is less excitement about the situation," notes Revital Ben Nathan, CEO of Ophir Tours. "Most customers make sure to consult travel agents or other informed parties about the status of flights and the likelihood of possible cancellations, as well as ensure flexibility and insurance for all travel components. It's hard to determine about the continued operations of companies in Israel, who are closely monitoring the situation. The fact that companies are canceling only for the next day or two indicates their desire to continue operating normally."
Hani Sobol, CEO of Diesenhaus: "Unfortunately, after several weeks of increased flight availability, we are again seeing foreign companies announcing flight cancellations. Currently, the event is mainly for the coming days, but the uncertainty is clear. Unfortunately, passengers and agents have already experienced many last-minute flight cancellation notices, and the routine is quite clear. This event found us with many customers who flew over the weekend for a vacation and were expected to return today and tomorrow. Our professional agents are busy extracting those passengers whose flights were canceled and transferring customers expected to fly in the next 24 hours to alternative flights as much as possible. We do not see a change in demand for flights, but interest in foreign company flights is rising again."
Yoav Karni, CEO of Signal Tours: "The fall in the field this morning immediately impacted the operations of foreign companies who rushed to cancel their flights for the upcoming days to reassess the risk of arriving at Ben Gurion Airport. I hope airlines will avoid stopping flights for a longer period, which would lead to serious harm to open skies and price increases.
Signal Tours implemented an emergency format, with the customer retention department working hand in hand with professional teams maintaining constant contact with customers, providing updates, and finding alternatives for passengers whose flights were canceled.
The state must do everything possible to ensure open skies and the safety of companies flying to Israel."
Nir Mazor, Deputy Director of Aviation Relations, said: "As of now, we do not see a significant change in demand for flights and vacations, especially focusing on summer days. The main issue is returning to low-cost flights and companies like Lufthansa, etc. Regarding nearby vacation destinations, including Greece and Cyprus, the situation is felt less, as most traffic relies on Israeli or leased aircraft whose crews are relatively accustomed to the situation."
Regarding Israelis stranded abroad without return flights, Mazor said: "There are quite a few Israelis stranded and looking for return flights, and we are seeing an increase in one-way flight bookings to Israel."
Oren Cohen Meguri, VP of Marketing and Sales at Flying Carpet: "We are monitoring developments and maintaining continuous contact with all airlines to obtain timely and accurate information in real-time. At this stage, most of our destinations operate as usual, and we are making every effort to provide a precise and transparent situation picture for our customers. Our recommendation, especially in such times, is to book vacation packages – offering greater flexibility and security in terms of cancellations. Even now, our Flying Safe service allows full cancellation and refund up to 5 days before the vacation, at a cost of $35 per passenger."