European Airlines extend flight suspensions as Middle East conflict intensifies
Frankfurt: Top European airlines, including Lufthansa, KLM, and Swiss International Air Lines, announced on Tuesday the extension of flight suspensions to the Middle East due to intensifying regional tensions. These decisions follow Israel’s strikes on Beirut and warnings from a senior White House official that Iran is preparing a missile attack against Israel. The group, which includes Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Swiss International, has been modifying its flight operations over the past months to address the unpredictable security situation.
Dutch airline KLM has extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv until the end of 2024. This follows its earlier announcement in August 2024 that flights would be halted until October 26 due to the volatile situation. KLM spokesperson Elvira van der Vis confirmed the extension, citing ongoing concerns in the region.
German carrier Lufthansa also announced the suspension of its flights to Beirut through November 30, 2024. Additionally, the airline group confirmed that flights to Tel Aviv are canceled until October 31, while flights to Tehran will remain suspended until October 14. In a further move, the airline group said it would avoid Iranian, Iraqi, and Jordanian airspace until October 2 and continue to avoid Israeli airspace until the end of October.
A Lufthansa spokesperson expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers, while stressing that the safety of both passengers and crew remains the airline's top priority.
Swiss International Air Lines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa group, echoed the decision, saying the extended suspensions aim to provide predictability for travelers and crew amid the uncertainties of the escalating conflict.
The flight suspensions follow recent military escalations in the Middle East, including Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon and a week of intense air strikes that have claimed hundreds of lives. The conflict deepened on Tuesday, as Israeli forces engaged in clashes on the ground in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, a senior White House official, speaking anonymously, warned that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel "imminently." The U.S. is actively supporting Israel's defensive measures in response to the potential threat and has cautioned Iran that such an attack would lead to "severe consequences."
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Shehnai exponent Pt. Basavaraj Bhajantri to get ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan’ award during Dasara
Mysuru: Minister of Kannada and Culture Shivaraj S Tangadagi has said that renowned shehnai player from Haveri district Pt. Basavaraj Bhajantri has been selected by the Karnataka and Culture Department for the ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan’ award this year.
The minister said that the award is conventionally handed to the awardee during the cultural program held on the premises of the Mysuru Palace as a part of the inauguration of the Dasara celebrations.
Shehnai exponent Pt. Basavaraj Bhajantri will be honoured with the ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan’ award by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the cultural events at the Mysuru Palace premises on Thursday, October 3 evening, Minister Tangadagi has stated.
