Israel's Aviation Chief Warns Foreign Airlines: "A Sensitive Period Begins This Weekend"
Civil Aviation head Shmuel Zakai warns foreign airlines that Israel is entering a "sensitive period" starting this weekend. With airspace closure back on the table, the CAA reveals a priority exit plan for foreign jets as U.S.-Iran tensions reach a critical boiling point.
Shmuel Zakai, head of Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), issued a formal warning to foreign carriers operating at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, signaling that the region is entering a highly volatile security window. In a letter sent to international airline executives, Zakai noted that while operations remain stable for now, current assessments suggest a significant shift in the risk profile starting this weekend.
Priority for Foreign Carriers in Case of Emergency
The letter outlines a specific contingency plan for a potential closure of Israeli airspace, a scenario that occurred in June 2025 and multiple times in 2024. In the event of a shutdown, the CAA has committed to prioritizing foreign aircraft, ensuring they are given the first available windows to depart Israel and clear the combat theater.
"Our assessment is that the coming weekend may mark the beginning of a more sensitive period," Zakai wrote, while emphasizing that the CAA is currently following Home Front Command instructions which still allow for regular civilian flight activity.