Israel’s Skies Reopen—But Foreign Airlines Too Scared To Return

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

Foreign Airlines (Suspended):