Air France and Lufthansa suspend flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut amid violence

Air France and Lufthansa have announced the extension of their flight suspensions to Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut due to escalating violence in the region. The decision follows a series of deadly explosions in Lebanon, which resulted in 37 fatalities and over 2,900 injuries. These attacks, attributed to the militant group Hezbollah, have raised concerns about a potential wider conflict in the Middle East. Air France will halt flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut until the end of Friday, while Lufthansa has canceled its flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until September 24, and flights to Beirut will remain suspended until October 26. Both airlines cited the deteriorating security situation as the primary reason for their decisions. The unprecedented nature of the attacks has prompted airlines to reassess their operations in the region, with Lufthansa emphasizing the safety of its passengers and crew as a top priority. The airline group, which includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, has been adjusting its flight schedules in response to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Passengers affected by these cancellations are being offered the option to rebook their flights at no additional cost or to request refunds. The situation remains fluid, and airlines are closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of their operations and travelers.