Charter flights to and from Israel have remained unaffected, for now, by the strike action by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) staff. This is because most charter airlines have confirmed their flight schedules in advance for the entire summer season. Those companies that have not obtained the required permits are also unlikely to face problems, since in most cases these have been issued directly by CAA director Udi Zohar himself, despite the strike.
According to the Ministry of Transport, all the delays experienced by charter companies in recent days were caused largely by technical faults, and no flight has been cancelled because of the strike. The ministry added, however, that a new charter company could face difficulties in obtaining a flight permit just now.
The Ministry of Transport sources also warned that a prolonged strike could cause delays, since airport employees are responsible for approving aircraft that have been grounded for repair, or which need their licenses renewing. The lack of approvals could cause disruptions in airlines' flight schedules, and inconvenience to passengers.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on August 29, 2007
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