Oct. 8—Three of the country's biggest airlines temporarily suspended flights to Israel from Houston and the rest of the United States after surprise attacks sparked a war between militants and Israeli forces over the weekend.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines canceled their service to Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv after attacks from the militant group Hamas and retaliation from Israeli forces left hundreds dead in Israel and Gaza. International airlines like Lufthansa and Air Canada have also suspended flights into Israel as fighting continued Sunday.

Turkish Airlines, which operates direct flights from Houston to Israel, has continued its flights out of IAH.

"The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority," United, which operates a hub at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, told media outlets. "We are closely monitoring the situation and we are adjusting flight schedules as required."

A travel advisory was issued by the U.S. State Department urging Americans not to travel to Gaza and to exercise extreme caution if traveling to Israel or the West Bank. The Federal Aviation Administration urged American pilots and airlines to be cautious while flying in Israeli airspace.

"The situation in Israel continues to be unpredictable," the State Department said in a statement to Americans in Israel. "Individuals should follow local government advice to increase their security awareness and remain safe. Mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning."

___

(c)2023 the Houston Chronicle

Visit the Houston Chronicle at www.chron.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.