Global Companies Respond to Hamas Attack on Israel
Global Airlines Temporarily Suspend Flights to Tel Aviv
Several Asian, European, and U.S. airlines have decided to suspend direct flights to Tel Aviv in response to the surprise attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:) has canceled all Delta-operated Tel Aviv flights through Oct. 31, closely monitoring the situation. Norwegian Air also canceled a planned evacuation flight from Tel Aviv to Oslo due to insurance issues. KLM has retracted an offer for a flight to Israel, citing safety concerns. El Al, on the other hand, is increasing its flights to transport reservists returning to Israel.
Cruise Operators Modify Itineraries
Royal Caribbean (NYSE:) is adjusting several itineraries in the area and directly notifying affected guests. Carnival (NYSE:) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:) Holdings have also modified or redirected sailings that include Israel in October, and they continue to evaluate the situation. InterContinental Hotels Group has increased security measures in and around their hotels in Israel, with only Six Senses Shaharut and Hotel Indigo Tel Aviv – Diamond District temporarily closing.
Oil Giants and Banks Take Precautionary Measures
Chevron (NYSE:) has been instructed by Israel’s energy ministry to shut down the Tamar field off the country’s northern coast. JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:) CEO Jamie Dimon warned of the potential ripple effects of the conflict and asked over 200 employees in Israel to work from home. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have also instructed their Tel Aviv employees to work remotely. Citigroup, with the largest presence among foreign financial institutions in Israel, offered flexibility for staff to work from home or office. Bank of America has closed its Tel Aviv office temporarily, and UBS has halted business travel within the Middle East. American Express pledged $1.5 million in donations for relief efforts in Israel.
Logistics and Tech Companies Adapt Operations
Adani Ports, operator of the Haifa Port, is closely monitoring the situation and has a business continuity plan in place. FedEx has reinstated its service in Israel, while UPS temporarily suspended flights in and out of the country but ensures shipments already in Israel will reach their destinations. Nvidia canceled an AI summit in Tel Aviv, and Amazon has a contingency plan to maintain AWS services in Israel.
Retailers and Pharma Companies Adjust Operations
H&M’s local franchise partner temporarily closed all stores in Israel, and Inditex’s Zara extended return timeframes for its 84 stores in the country. Decathlon warned of possible delivery delays due to the security situation. Puma suspended operations of its Tel Aviv stores but continues to deliver online orders to other cities in Israel. Eli Lilly and Co and Bristol-Myers Squibb are monitoring the situation and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of medicines. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, the world’s largest maker of generic drugs, maintains backup production locations and does not anticipate a significant impact on its business.
The global response to the Hamas attack on Israel has led to temporary closures, adjusted operations, and remote work policies by various global companies. The situation continues to be closely monitored as businesses prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees and customers.
