Israel Launches Sea Evacuation Plan from Cyprus Amid Missile Crisis and Airspace Shutdown

Israel’s Ministry of Transportation finalized an agreement today with Mano Maritime to launch two rescue voyages from Cyprus to repatriate approximately 200,000 Israelis stranded abroad due to the closure of Israel’s airspace. The decision follows three days of suspended air travel, triggered by Israel’s military strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory missile attacks. Each ship is expected to carry 2,000 passengers and 650 crew members, totaling 4,000 evacuees across the two voyages. Transportation Minister Miri Regev, a cabinet member, met with Mano Maritime owner Moshe Mano to coordinate the operation, which aims to provide a critical sea-based alternative amid the ongoing aviation crisis.

The ships, currently docked at Haifa Port, await final approval from the Home Front Command to depart. Ministry officials noted that the process involves complex security and logistical coordination, including safety assessments, scheduling, and docking arrangements. “Mano Maritime is a private company, and all arrangements for the voyages are handled directly with them,” the Ministry of Transportation stated. “Once the company publishes a registration link, the public can sign up and purchase tickets through their website or system. Reservations, payments, and all other details are managed solely by Mano.” No registration details or timelines have been released, and the approval process may delay departures by several days.

The maritime evacuation responds to the unprecedented disruption caused by Iran’s missile barrages, which killed at least 21 Israelis and injured over 300 on June 14-15, damaging infrastructure in cities like Bat Yam and Haifa. With 53 hostages still held by Hamas and regional tensions escalating, the airspace closure has stranded thousands, prompting emergency measures. The operation recalls past maritime evacuations, such as during the 2006 Lebanon War, when ferries repatriated Israelis from Cyprus. The government is urging patience as it navigates security protocols to ensure safe passage for evacuees.