On June 26, 2025, at 7:08 PM IDT, Ben Gurion International Airport, along with Ramon and Haifa airports, has fully resumed operations following the 12-day “Am K’Lavie” war with Iran, which ended with a ceasefire on June 24. The conflict, starting June 13, disrupted air travel, stranding 100,000–150,000 Israelis abroad and thousands of tourists in Israel. The Israel Airports Authority lifted 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.” On June 25, 88 international flights carried 12,000 passengers, a fifth of pre-war traffic, with backlogs expected to persist.
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.” Israeli airlines; El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, are leading 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.” The war’s aftermath, including Iran’s reported ceasefire violation with two missile launches, has kept many foreign airlines cautious.
Airline Operations and Resumption Dates
Currently Operating:
- El Al: Regular operations resume by June 28; free rebooking for canceled tickets. Expanding flights to Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Bangkok, Budapest, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Prague, Madrid, Milan, Warsaw, Sofia by June 27.
- Arkia: Resumes summer schedule on July 1 to Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Athens, Paris, Milan, Geneva, Mykonos, Larnaca, Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York, Tivat; domestic flights to Eilat (Ramon) resume June 29.
- Israir: Expanding flights to Athens, Larnaca, Varna, Tbilisi, Rome, London, Budapest, Batumi; full summer schedule pending.
Air Haifa: Operating Larnaca-Haifa rescue flights with free changes; Athens flights resume July 1; Eilat route delayed.
Resuming Late June:
- Flydubai: Resumed June 25 with eight daily flights.
- TUS Airways (Cyprus): Resumed June 26.
- Blue Bird (Greece): Resumed June 26.
- Tarom Airlines (Romania): Resumed June 26.
- FlyOne (Moldova): Resumed June 26.
- Etihad (UAE): Resumed June 26 (night).
- Cyprus Airways: Starts June 27.
- Smartwings (Czech Republic): Starts June 29 from Prague (QS 1286); Tel Aviv return June 30 (QS 1287).
- Hainan Airlines (China): Starts June 29.
Resuming in July:
- Air France: July 7.
- Air Europa: July 14.
- Azerbaijan Airlines: July (date TBD).
- Georgian Airways: July (date TBD).
- Ethiopian Airlines: July (date TBD).
- Red Wings (Russia): July (date TBD).
- Azimut (Russia): July (date TBD).
- Uzbekistan Airlines: July (date TBD).
Possible Early Resumption:
- United Airlines: Expected soon, date unconfirmed.
Awaiting Approval (No Confirmed Date):
- Blue Bird, TUS Airways, Red Wings, Hainan, Ethiopian: Awaiting clearance, may resume by June 30.
