Airspace Closure Warning: Panic Over Iran Threat Hits Israeli Skies
El Al and Arkia introduce flexible cancellation policies with full credit vouchers amid rising regional tensions, while Israel warns foreign airlines it may close airspace without notice as defensive systems remain on high alert.
Israel's two main carriers, El Al and Arkia, have rolled out unusually generous cancellation policies to reassure passengers as international airlines scale back or suspend service to Tel Aviv amid escalating regional tensions and fears of Iranian retaliation. The moves come after Israel's Civil Aviation Authority quietly warned foreign carriers that airspace could be closed abruptly if safety cannot be guaranteed, prioritizing outbound flights for international aircraft to avoid stranding fleets.
El Al launched its "Fly with peace of mind" offer for new bookings made over the next two weeks, allowing cancellations for any reason up to 48 hours before departure with a full credit voucher, valid across its network through March 17 (with some fare-type restrictions). Arkia matched the flexibility for existing flight-only bookings between January 26 and February 9, permitting fee-free cancellations up to 48 hours prior and issuing credit vouchers, in addition to the standard 14-day cancellation right under Israeli law.
Foreign airlines have responded more cautiously. KLM has halted flights to Tel Aviv and other Middle East destinations until further notice, citing the geopolitical situation. Lufthansa Group carriers previously reduced select Tel Aviv services over similar concerns tied to potential US-Iran escalation. Europe's aviation safety regulator has advised avoiding Iranian airspace due to risks of misidentification in a heavily defended environment. Israel's Transportation Ministry insists there is no directive to stop flying and that Ben Gurion Airport remains fully operational, with regulators in constant contact to prevent cascading disruptions.
The CAA's letter to foreign carriers, first reported by Channel 12, outlined contingencies for a "sensitive security period," promising priority departures for international aircraft if closure becomes necessary. CAA chief Shmuel Zakai later clarified the warning referred to the previous weekend, though the original wording pointed to the upcoming one, causing confusion in the travel industry and among passengers facing sudden cancellations.
The psychological impact is evident, with call centers overwhelmed by anxious travelers seeking reassurance. Israel's layered air defense remains fully deployed, coordinating tightly across agencies to maintain open skies as long as safety permits while preparing for rapid closure if threats materialize. The combination of local carriers' flexibility and international caution reflects the delicate balance between keeping aviation flowing and protecting passengers in an increasingly volatile environment.