Israir to end flights to U.S.

Airline cites fuel costs as reason for cancellation

Issue of August 15, 2008

Israir Airlines will suspend flights to the United States effective Sept. 13. The carrier's announcement Wednesday blamed escalating fuel prices and an expectation of a decrease in the number of passengers due to the weakness of the dollar.

"The plan is to protect everyone that has a ticket in hand on alternative carriers," said Israir Vice President Stuart Katz, explaining how customers will be compensated. "All passengers who have tickets in hand are being contacted by the airline and being protected."

This marks the second time in recent months that the airline has decided to suspend flights. A few months ago, it transferred its New York route to another airline, saying that it was waiting to receive its new Airbus. Three months later, the airline resumed the route with the Airbus, but is now again suspending operations on it.

Is this the beginning of the end of the airline?

"I don't believe so," said Katz.