Turkish Airlines waives cancellation, change fees for Tel Aviv passengers amid fighting

By Kenan Irtak

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Airlines said Saturday that passengers departing and arriving in Tel Aviv will be granted additional rights such as free cancellation and postponement due to attacks launched by Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.

It said in a statement that additional rights such as free cancellations, postponements and reservation changes are granted to passengers who have bookings on the Turkish Airlines or Anadolu Jet Tel Aviv flights between Oct. 7 - 9, and ticketed on or before Oct. 7.

The statement said free refunds for all Turkish Airlines or AnadoluJet flights to and from Tel Aviv on those dates can be made until Oct. 9, and the validity of tickets can be extended until Nov. 30 without any fee difference and penalty.

Detailed information for the transactions in question can be accessed at www.turkishairlines.com/tr-int/tel-aviv-seferlerimiz-icin-yolcu-haklari.

Turkish Airlines flights are delayed due to problems at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport.

Palestinian group Hamas said Saturday it launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood with rockets targeting enemy sites, airports and military installations. In response, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas.

At least 232 Palestinians have been killed in air attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while Israeli authorities said 300 of its citizens were killed in what has been described as a "war" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas, the group running the blockaded enclave, said its operation was in response to desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.