Israel allows repatriation flights to a dozen destinations in Europe and the USA
Restoration work at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport is underway following recent missile attacks. It paves the way for a gradual resumption of outbound flights starting Monday, according to The Times of Israel. Local airlines have begun announcing destinations, though all routes remain subject to government approval.
Flights will be limited to 50 passengers per aircraft, prioritizing foreign nationals stranded in the country, as well as Israelis needing to leave. The move follows an announcement by Transportation Minister Miri Regev on June 19. She authorized Israeli carriers to operate departure flights for humanitarian and diplomatic purposes.
Israel closed its airspace when it launched military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, grounding international flights and stranding an estimated 40,000 tourists. At the same time, over 100,000 Israelis abroad have been seeking ways to return home.
Flight tickets for departures from Monday will be available to all passengers. However, priority will be given to life-saving, humanitarian, and national security cases. Travelers must also book return flights to Israel for dates no earlier than 30 days from departure to ensure availability for those awaiting repatriation.
3 Israeli airlines to SET UP flights
Flag carrier El Al announced it will operate flights to eight major cities: Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Bangkok. A registration form is available on the airline’s website, though completing the form does not guarantee a reservation. El Al added that customers with canceled flights due to the conflict can rebook at no additional cost.
Israir plans to offer a limited number of seats on flights to select European cities, including Athens, Larnaca, Tbilisi, Budapest, and Rome. Tickets will be available via the company’s website. Meanwhile, Arkia is preparing to operate outbound flights. Destinations include Athens, Larnaca, Batumi, Barcelona, Vienna, and New York, pending official approval.
The Transportation Ministry reported that over 50,000 Israelis have returned home in recent days via air, land crossings from Egypt and Jordan, and maritime routes.
Despite the reopening of outbound routes, Israeli authorities continue to restrict departures for both citizens and foreigners over security risks. The Home Front Command has issued strict guidelines to limit gatherings at the airport. Missile attacks repeatedly targeted the airport in the last couple of weeks. The most recent strike occurred on the morning of June 22, according to Iranian media reports.
(Source : The Times of Israel)
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