Israel Resumes Limited Outbound Flights as Airspace Reopens

Israel has officially reopened its airspace, marking a cautious step toward normalcy after days of heightened tensions with Iran. Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, limited outbound flights resumed from Ben Gurion Airport following a shutdown triggered by U.S. strikes on major Iranian nuclear sites.

The move comes after an extraordinary wave of returns. Over 70,000 Israeli citizens made their way home in just one week some 40,000 via neighboring Jordan and Egypt, 6,500 by sea (mostly from Cyprus), and 25,000 flown in by Israeli airlines including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa.

Despite the reopening, the skies are far from fully open. Due to ongoing security concerns, a strict protocol has been put in place:

• Outbound flights are capped at 50 passengers each to reduce on-ground exposure.

• Departing travelers must commit to staying abroad for at least 30 days, prioritizing flight capacity for those still stranded overseas.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced that over 1,000 outbound passengers are expected to leave Israel on Tuesday under the new guidelines. “We expect local airlines to operate 24 incoming repatriation flights,” she said, adding that flight restrictions are necessary during this delicate period.

Operations are centralized at Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport. Access is tightly controlled only travelers with confirmed tickets may enter, with limited exceptions for those assisting minors or people with special needs.

Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive no earlier than two hours before takeoff and to use public transportation where possible. Private drop-offs are permitted but must be quick.

Cafés near the departure gates remain open to serve travelers, though duty-free shops are closed to limit time spent inside the terminal.

This carefully calibrated reopening reflects Israel's dual goals: to welcome home citizens from around the world while safeguarding those already here. The government's response is both strategic and compassionate ensuring the flow of travel resumes without compromising security.

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