Flights between Israel and France continued as usual over the weekend, despite the state of emergency declared in France following the series of deadly terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, which included closing the country's borders. Major delays were noted at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, as well as in smaller airports across France, over the tight border controls imposed. Only a handful of European airlines and two American airlines canceled flights scheduled to arrive in Paris on Saturday, as a precaution. Israel's El Al Airlines announced its flights to and from France will continue as scheduled. The company further announced that it will assist Israelis who are currently in France and wish to return to Israel, offering a special $350 one-way fare, and suspending revision charges for passengers who wish to change tickets bought for dates up to Nov. 29. Arkia Airlines announced a similar move, offering a $220 one-way fare to Israelis seeking to return to Israel on its Sunday flights. A statement on Arkia's website said the company would announce additional policy on Paris tickets' changes and cancellations "as developments allow." Air France announced Saturday that the state of emergency will not change its flight schedule. "We confirm that all of our upcoming flights from/to France are maintained following the events that occurred in Paris," the company said in a statement, but warned of possible delays over enhanced border controls. The French flag carrier further said passengers seeking to change tickets bought for dates up to Nov. 22 could do so free of charge. Britain's EasyJet issued a similar statement. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said American flights to Paris will continue, adding the FAA was "following the situation closely and remains in close contact with our security and law enforcement partners. The agency is prepared to act quickly in the event action is warranted." Israeli travel insurance company PassportCard urged clients in France to return to Israel without delay, saying it would cover airfare fees.
