U.S. aviation authorities on Wednesday extended a ban on U.S. airlines flying to Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport for another 24 hours.
"The agency is working closely with the Government of Israel to review the significant new information they have provided and determine whether potential risks to U.S. civil aviation are mitigated so the agency can resolve concerns as quickly as possible," the FAA said in a statement.
As the directive only applied to U.S. airlines, some carriers continued flying into Ben Gurion. Israeli airline EL Al said it would maintain its regular flight schedule, including the route between Israel and the U.S.
EL Al confirmed that former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg took one of its flights to Israel "in an expression of solidarity with the citizens of Israel." The airline said it was adding flights "when possible" to accommodate travelers affected by suspended flights.
On Tuesday, the FAA prohibited U.S. airlines from flying to Israel's main airport for 24 hours after a Hamas rocket exploded nearby. Some major U.S. airlines had already independently canceled flights to Ben Gurion Airport.
Airlines and passengers are growing more anxious about safety since a Malaysia Airlines jetliner was shot down over Ukraine last week, killing all 298 people aboard.
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--By CNBC.com with AP.