The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Tuesday informing U.S. airlines that they are prohibited from flying to or from Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport for a period of up to 24 hours.
The notice was issued at 12:15 p.m. EST.
The NOTAM was issued in response to a rocket strike that landed approximately one mile from Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday morning. The NOTAM applies only to U.S. operators, and has no authority over foreign airlines operating to or from the airport.
The FAA will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation. Updated instructions will be provided to U.S. airlines as soon as conditions permit, but no later than 24 hours from the time the NOTAM went into force.
Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday morning that it suspended service until further notice to and from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv and its New York JFK hub.
Delta, in coordination with FAA, is suspending flights to “ensure the safety and security of our customers and employees,” the airline said.
Delta flight 468, a Boeing 747 from JFK, diverted to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Tuesday after reports of a rocket or associated debris near the airport in Tel Aviv. Delta is working to accommodate these customers.
“Delta continues to work closely with U.S. and other government resources to monitor the situation,” the airline said.
Delta is also not routing flights through Ukrainian airspace as of July 17, after the MH17 crash that same day.
“Delta does not operate any service that flies over the region of Ukraine that was the subject of an FAA security advisory,” the airline said. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Delta family are with the passengers and crew, and their loved ones, involved in the Malaysia Airlines incident.”
Story updated July 22, 2014 at 2:05 p.m. EST.