Ben Gurion Airport Closure Extended: No Rescue Flights Before Wednesday
Aviation authorities and security officials estimate that Ben Gurion Airport will remain closed to civilian traffic until at least Wednesday, March 4, due to ongoing missile threats. Over 100,000 Israelis remain stranded abroad as airlines explore alternative routes.
In a dramatic update for the tens of thousands of Israelis currently stuck overseas, security and aviation officials have clarified that Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) will likely remain shuttered to all civilian and rescue flights until Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Despite initial hopes that the airport might reopen by Monday evening, the persistent pace of rocket fire and the intensity of "Operation Roaring Lion" have forced the Ministry of Transportation to extend the closure of Israeli airspace.
This means that approximately 100,000 Israelis are currently "air-locked" outside the country.
As a result, Israeli carriers are pivoting to land-based rescue operations:
Arkia & Israir: Have begun operating "shuttle flights" from destinations like Athens, Larnaca, and Rome directly to Taba Airport in Egypt.
The Crossing: From Taba, passengers must cross the border into Israel on foot and are then met by buses to transport them to Eilat, Beersheba, and Tel Aviv.
There is significant public outcry over ticket prices reaching $350–$550 for one-way "rescue" legs to the Egyptian border.
The Home Front Command reminds travelers that arriving at Ben Gurion Airport currently is strictly prohibited as the site is being used for emergency military logistics only.