The UK warned against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories amid deadly conflict in the region.
More than 1,100 people were confirmed dead after Hamas militants launched a wave of attacks into Israel early on Saturday morning, prompting retaliation into the Palestinian enclave of Gaza.
EasyJet and Wizz Air are among airlines to have halted flights to Tel Aviv.
EasyJet said: ”Due to the evolving situation in Israel, we have paused our flight operations to and from Tel Aviv on the 8th and 9th of October.
“We will be contacting customers who are due to travel to Tel Aviv on these dates, with the email and sms provided at the time of booking and check in.
“If you are due to fly to Tel Aviv over the next few days we recommend that you continue to check the status of your flight on our flight tracker for real time information before travelling to the airport.”
Wizz Air said: “Due to the escalation of the conflict in Israel, Wizz Air cancels all of its Israel bound flights for 8 and 9 October. Affected passengers are notified via sms/email.”
Other flight cancellations to Tel Aviv were made by airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia Express, ITA, Swiss and Transavia.
US carriers American Airlines, Delta and United also suspended direct flights while reviewing safety conditions.
However, British Airways and EL AL are maintaining their schedules.
A BA spokesperson said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation in Israel very closely and have introduced a flexible booking policy, enabling customers to change their travel dates free of charge if they wish.
“Flights are currently planned to operate over the coming days with adjusted departure times.”
EL AL said last night that its Tel Aviv flights were operating as scheduled “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces,” including four departures to London today (Monday).
The Israeli government confirmed that Ben Gurion international airport in Tel Aviv was working as usual.
In updated travel advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “There is currently a large-scale conflict happening in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza.
“Rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel and there are an unknown number of armed terrorists present in the area.
“There are reports of them shooting people and taking hostages in the peripheral area around Gaza.
“If you are in an area affected by the fighting you should follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command.”
International borders could close “at short notice” as the Israeli government declared a state of emergency.
“You should check with your airlines and travel insurers before travelling,” the FCDO added.
Revised travel advice for Lebanon was also issued, warning of mortar and artillery exchanges between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israeli defence forces following the attacks in southern Israel.
“Tensions are high and events may escalate with little warning, potentially affecting exit routes,” the FCDO said. “British nationals should consider travel plans accordingly, monitor the regional situation and follow FCDO travel advice for updates.”
Ethan Levy, chief executive of private jet brokerage firm Tidal Jets, warned that airspace restrictions imposed due to the conflict would compel flights to reroute away from the region.
Detours not only elongate flight durations but also escalate airline operational costs.
“The airspace restrictions amid the Israel conflict showcase the delicate balance between geopolitical tensions and global aviation operations. It’s imperative for the industry to navigate these challenges with foresight and agility,” Levy said.