Israeli Airlines Gear Up for Evacuation Amid Iran Tension
Aviation enthusiasts and flight trackers suggesting that some non-essential aircraft began "ferry flights" (flights without passengers) to Cyprus and Greece on Friday evening to ensure they were out of the country before a possible "opening salvo" this weekend.
Israeli aviation authorities and airlines are reportedly preparing to relocate dozens of aircraft out of the country as a precautionary measure against possible Iranian missile strikes, with some sources indicating that initial flights may have already departed ahead of Shabbat.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev stated on Wednesday that the nation's five major carriers, El Al, Arkia, Israir, Air Haifa, and Challenge Airlines, are readying to evacuate their entire fleet of 85 planes from Ben-Gurion Airport. The planes would be dispersed to safe havens including Cyprus, Athens, Thailand, the United States, and various European locations, mirroring a successful operation carried out in June 2025 just before the outbreak of the 12-day war with Iran, when Israeli airlines preemptively moved their fleets abroad to safeguard assets amid fears of direct attacks on infrastructure.
However, no disruptions to commercial schedules were immediately reported.
The Israel Airports Authority and airline representatives have not commented.