company news about Airlines cancel or delay flights to Israel as fighting continues

Major airlines around the world have cancelled flights to Israel or warned of travel disruption as the security situation deteriorates.

Virgin Atlantic warned of cancellations and delays to Tel Aviv and British Airways (BA) has altered its schedule.

Meanwhile, three US carriers, as well as Air France, Lufthansa and Emirates, have suspended services.

Palestinian militants Hamas said that they had targeted Israel's Ben Gurion airport with missiles on Monday.

About 700 people have been killed in Israel since Hamas launched its attack on Saturday, with a further 500 having died in Gaza in retaliatory air strikes.

The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and against all travel to certain parts of the region.

Virgin Atlantic said it had made eight cancellations between Tel Aviv and London Heathrow, from Saturday until this coming Wednesday.

"The safety and security of our customers and our people always comes first and our flying programme to Israel remains under constant review," a spokesperson said.

UK budget carrier Wizz Air confirmed it had cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice, while EasyJet halted flights on Sunday and Monday, adding that it would alter it schedule for the rest of this week.