Israel issues warning for aircraft entering its airspace

Airline Industry Information, Jan 10, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Egypt has been asked by Israel to prevent its aircraft from entering Israeli airspace near Eilat.

According to Israeli officials, who spoke on condition of remaining unnamed, Egyptian aircraft often deviate from their flight paths, which cross near Eilat for routes to Jordan. Officials have also said that if there is a suspected attack, an aircraft intruding on Israeli airspace may be shot down.

The Associated Press quoted the officials as saying that Israel has scrambled jet interceptors and has aimed anti-aircraft missiles at aircraft that have been approaching Eilat. According to the anonymous officials, Egypt has not responded to urgent messages and aircraft have continued to enter Israeli airspace.

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