Kyiv-based AeroSvit Airline has said that there is no fall in demand for flights to Israel following the Hamas attack on Israel with a barrage of rockets, and the launch of Israeli air strikes in response.
The airline told Interfax-Ukraine that there is no noticeable fall in demand – a fall within 3% is seen on certain flights, although a rise of 1.5-2% is seen on other flights.
“Two groups of pilgrims have canceled booked tickets – maybe they decided that at present it is not the best time for a pilgrimage to Israel. The airline could offer possible dates of departure to them later after an analysis of the loading of flights in December,” AeroSvit said.
The company also said that Israel gives clear recommendations on the adjustment of flight schedules to Tel-Aviv to ensure the security of flights, and all airlines follow them. Ben Gurion airport (Tel Aviv) has issued the instructions. They are also regulated by EUROCONTROL in the zone of the airport. Under the said instructions, the Kyiv-Tel Aviv flight on November 19, 2012 was delayed by two hours and 30 minutes and the flight from Odesa by almost four hours.
Israel has altered the routes of civil airplanes near Ben Gurion airport due to the Hamas attacks on Israel.
AeroSvit was created in 1994. It is based at Boryspil airport in Kyiv. It serves 80 international destinations in 34 countries. It provides services to passengers in the largest cities of Ukraine. Its fleet consists of 28 Boeing aircraft, including 20 medium-range Boeing 737s and eight long-haul Boeing 767s. In addition to that, it operates Airbus 320, Airbus 321, Embraer 145, Embraer 190, and ATR-72 aircraft.
