British Airways crew members have criticised the airline for continuing flights to Israel amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This comes as other airlines, including easyJet, have suspended their services to the region due to safety concerns.
The situation in the Middle East is increasingly volatile, with fears of a potential large-scale conflict.
On April 13, Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles at Israel, 99 percent of which were reportedly intercepted by Israeli defences and a US-led coalition.
This was in retaliation to an Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the death of seven members of the Islamic Revolution’s Guards Corpse (IRGC), including a high-ranking commander and his deputy.
Despite these developments, British Airways has decided to continue its flights to Israel, with reports suggesting that crew members could face disciplinary action if they refuse to fly.
In an internal BA chatroom, one captain expressed concern over the airline’s decision, stating that a “duty of care to the cabin crew team has been absent” in the decision to fly to Israel, according to The Sun.
They added: “I currently have limited confidence in the way that BA has dealt with this potentially life-threatening situation, and I look forward to being reassured prior to operating to Tel Aviv.”
A British Airways flight attendant recently questioned the airline’s decision to continue services to Tel Aviv despite Government warnings about travel to the region stating: “To help make our colleagues feel safe and valued we would appreciate actually being told why you have come to the decision to keep flying to Tel Aviv,” reports the Mirror.
“Especially when other European carriers have now ceased operations. Crew feel like BA are putting money before safety and many colleagues do not feel safe flying to Tel Aviv.”
