Israeli airline axe Irish flights to sun destination due to 'drop in demand'
Pro-Palestinian support from Ireland during the ongoing conflict has seen customer preferences shift
Israel's national airline, El Al, has announced the cancellation of its scheduled summer flights originating from Dublin and Morocco.
Initially slated to commence in April, the airline has opted to abandon its plans for three weekly Irish routes to Tel Aviv, attributing the decision to shifts in customer preferences following Ireland's support for Palestine in the ongoing conflict.
Similar reasons are cited for the cancellation of flights from Marrakech.
El Al issued a statement, stating: "From the beginning of April 2024 and throughout the next summer season, we will not be resuming our routes to Dublin, Ireland, and Marrakech, Morocco, due to the current situation and the significant drop in demand."
The decision follows remarks made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in October, condemning Israel's actions in Palestine and urging an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire."
After a meeting of the EU's 27 leaders, Mr Varadkar said: "A number of EU states acting together to recognise Palestine could enable a more equal negotiation to happen after the war has ended in Gaza around a two-state solution."