50 Passengers, No Luggage: Israel's Outbound "Rescue Flights" Start Next Week
Ben Gurion Airport partially reopens: Israel announces a limited framework for outbound flights starting Sunday. With a 50-passenger limit and no checked bags, here's the full list of emergency restrictions for those looking to travel abroad next week.
A sign of slight normalization at Ben Gurion Airport appeared Thursday morning as the first flight since the closure, arriving from Athens, landed in Israel. Following this, a new plan reported by Channel 12 News outlines how Israelis will be able to depart the country beginning next week.
The new outbound flights will not operate as standard commercial service. Instead, they will be based on the arrival of "rescue flights" entering Israel.
The following restrictions will apply:
* Passenger Limit: Only 50 passengers will be permitted on each departing aircraft.
* Baggage Restrictions: No checked luggage will be allowed; passengers are restricted to carry-on items only.
* Airport Procedures: Travelers must perform an early online check-in and arrive at the airport exactly one and a half hours before takeoff.
* Terminal Access: No accompanying persons (family or friends) will be allowed inside the terminal building.
The availability of these outbound seats is entirely dependent on the entry of incoming rescue planes. This specialized "one-in, one-out" model ensures that aircraft capacity is utilized while maintaining strict security and operational control during the ongoing emergency.