Ben Gurion International Airport, alongside Ramon and Haifa airports, resumed full operations today following the 12-day “Am K’Lavie” war against Iran, which began on June 13 and disrupted air travel. The operation, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leadership, stranded 100,000–150,000 Israelis abroad and thousands of tourists in Israel. A Trump-backed ceasefire, announced on June 24, led to the Israel Airports Authority lifting all restrictions, stating, “Restrictions on the number of incoming and outgoing flights, as well as the number of passengers on each flight, have been lifted.” However, travel backlogs persist, with only 12,000 passengers on 88 international flights on June 25, a fifth of pre-war traffic.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev encouraged summer travel, saying, “Those who planned flights for June, July, and August can continue to prepare and enjoy their vacation, Israeli citizens can leave and return safely.” She urged fair pricing, adding, “I call on Israeli carriers to act fairly, set reasonable prices, and be alert to the plight of Israeli passengers.” Israeli airlines; El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa are spearheading repatriation efforts, with El Al set to resume regular operations by June 28. El Al noted, “Assignment of passengers on departing and arriving flights will be done automatically, based on the registration form filled out by customers whose flights were canceled.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu hailed the war’s success, declaring, “We have thwarted Iran’s nuclear project. And if anyone in Iran tries to rebuild it, we will act with the same determination, with same intensity, to foil any attempt.” Regev reported, “Today, 24 flights will land at Ben Gurion, nine in Haifa, and a Mano cruise arrived with 1,900 Israelis.” With limited seats, high fares are anticipated as most foreign airlines delay their return.
Airline Operations and Resumption Dates
- Israeli Airlines (Currently Operating): El Al: Resuming regular operations by June 28, offering free rebooking for canceled tickets. Expanding flights to Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Bangkok, and adding Budapest, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Prague, Madrid, Milan, Warsaw, and Sofia by June 27.
- Arkia: Resuming summer schedule on July 1, serving Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Athens, Paris, Milan, Geneva, Mykonos, Larnaca, Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York, and Tivat. Rescue flight tickets remain valid.
- Israir: Expanding flights to Athens, Larnaca, Varna, Tbilisi, Rome, London, Budapest, and Batumi in coming days; full summer schedule pending.
- Air Haifa: Operating rescue flights from Larnaca to Haifa, offering free changes. Regular Athens flights resume July 1; Eilat’s Ramon Airport route delayed.
Foreign Airlines (Suspended):
- Lot: June 30
- KLM: June 30
- Ethiopian Airlines: June 30
- flyDubai: June 30 (awaiting approval)
- Air France: July 14
- Etihad: July 15 (awaiting approval)
- Air India: July 31
- Air Europa: July 31
- Lufthansa: July 31
- Austrian: July 31
- Brussels Airlines: July 31
- Eurowings: July 31
- ITA Airways: July 31
- United: July 31
- Delta: August 31
- Transavia France: September 7
- Aegean: September 8
- Air Canada: September 8
- Wizz Air: September 15
- Air Baltic: September 30
- British Airways: October 25
- EasyJet: October 25
- Swiss: October 25
- Iberia Express: October 25
- Ryanair: October 25
- Air France-KLM group: Indefinite (reassessing as conditions permit)
- Air Canada: Canceled all flights indefinitely
- Foreign Airlines Awaiting Approval (No Confirmed Date): Blue Bird, TUS Airways, Red Wings, Hainan
