Hope in the Air
Emotional Flight: Families En Route to Welcome Soon-To-Be Freed Hostages | WATCH
EL AL Facilitates Heartfelt Reunions as Hostages Set To Return Home After Two-Year Ordeal
In a moment laden with raw emotion and national relief, Israel's national airline, EL AL, is stepping up to bring families of freed hostages back to their homeland, marking the end of a harrowing two-year wait amid the Gaza war.
The airline's spokesperson released a statement today, underscoring the profound significance of these flights, which carry not just passengers, but the weight of a nation's hopes and tears.
"Following the announcement of the hostage release agreement, EL AL personnel have begun working with full dedication to assist the families of the hostages currently abroad and to bring them back to Israel as soon as possible, so they can reunite with their loved ones, a reunion the entire nation of Israel has been waiting for for over two years," the spokesperson said.
"EL AL considers it a great privilege to accompany the families during these historic and emotional moments, and wishes those returning a swift recovery and healing, and better, quieter days for us all."
The phase-one ceasefire deal, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and announced on October 8, paves the way for the release of approximately 48 remaining Israeli hostages—both living and deceased, in exchange for up to 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, alongside increased humanitarian aid and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. For families scattered abroad, these EL AL flights represent the final leg of a agonizing journey, bridging the gap to long-awaited embraces.
Adding to the poignancy, EL AL shared an English translation of a special announcement planned by flight captains on these journeys:
"Dear passengers,
In just a short while, we will take off for Israel and this time, it’s not an ordinary flight.
On board with us are families of hostages who are about to reunite with their loved ones, returning home after more than two years in Hamas captivity in Gaza. It’s hard to put into words the emotion of this moment.
On my behalf and on behalf of EL AL, I want to say that it is a privilege for us to bring you home to the reunion you’ve waited for more than anything, and that an entire nation has waited for alongside you.
We embrace you, and wish for quieter, better days ahead, for your healing and recovery, and for all of us."
As the first hostages are expected to be freed as early as October 13, pending cabinet approval, scenes of tearful airport reunions are anticipated to unfold across Israel. These moments echo the collective pain and resilience of a nation that has endured rocket fire, loss, and uncertainty since the war began. For many, this isn't just a diplomatic breakthrough, it's a deeply personal restoration of shattered lives.