Israeli Skies to Partially Re-Open
Under the proposed framework, the current cap of 50 passengers per departing flight would be raised by 20 seats, with an additional 20 seats reserved for humanitarian cases, bringing the total possible capacity to 90 passengers per flight. The plan could take effect as early as Sunday.
The Transportation Ministry is preparing to increase the number of passengers allowed on outbound flights from Ben Gurion Airport, in a partial easing of wartime travel restrictions.
Under the proposed framework, the current cap of 50 passengers per departing flight would be raised by 20 seats, with an additional 20 seats reserved for humanitarian cases, bringing the total possible capacity to 90 passengers per flight. The plan could take effect as early as Sunday, though officials emphasized that it remains subject to security assessments and final government approval.
The restrictions were tightened on March 23, when authorities reduced outbound passenger limits from 120 to 50 per flight following Iranian ballistic missile attacks on central and southern Israel. The move came after debris from intercepted missiles caused damage at the airport, including to parked aircraft.
Despite the planned increase, broader limitations on air traffic remain in place. Ben Gurion Airport continues to operate under a strict regime allowing only one takeoff and one landing per hour, as Israel’s airspace remains largely closed to regular commercial flights during the war with Iran.
Inbound flights are not subject to passenger caps, and current operations are limited to Israeli carriers, including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, primarily serving repatriation and essential travel needs.
The restrictions have drawn criticism from some travelers and industry observers, particularly as airports in other countries targeted by Iran, such as the United Arab Emirates, have continued operating with fewer limitations.
As a result, many Israelis seeking to leave the country have opted to travel overland to border crossings with Egypt or Jordan before boarding international flights abroad.