Representative Ritchie Torres Critiques Airlines for Suspending Flights to Israel

Following the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, airlines American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have halted direct flights to Israel, leading Representative Ritchie Torres to describe this action as an effective boycott. Unlike the previous situation in 2014 when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated flight suspensions due to safety concerns, the current suspensions are self-imposed by the airlines. Torres raised concerns regarding the lack of FAA security assessments that could provide clarity on whether travel to Israel is indeed dangerous. He also warned about the potential for the politicization of air travel, speculating that the BDS movement might influence airlines’ decisions to avoid servicing routes to Israel. Additional voices, including legal experts and advocates, echoed concerns regarding the implications of the airlines' actions, emphasizing the need for transparency and the potential consequences for corporate liability if profit motivation takes a backseat to political pressures. The ongoing suspension of flights raises questions about safety, airline policies, and the broader impacts on Israeli travel and tourism.