Story perspectives

Israel Launches Emergency Flights to Repatriate Stranded Doctors

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli authorities are ramping up efforts to repatriate medical staff stranded abroad amid the Iran conflict.
ZIM Shipping facilitates the return of doctors from Limassol, Cyprus to Haifa, with 40 already back and shuttles planned.
El Al is preparing emergency flights from global locations as Ben Gurion Airport reopens for wartime evacuations.
The flights will initially serve stranded customers at no charge and include charter flights to Egypt and Jordan.

History

Historical Context

In May 1991, Operation Solomon airlifted 14,325 Ethiopian Jews to Israel amid civil unrest, marking a significant humanitarian effort by the Israeli government and organizations like the American Association for Ethiopian Jews. This operation followed earlier missions, including Operation Moses in 1984, and reflects Israel's ongoing commitment to repatriating its citizens, as seen in recent efforts to assist medical staff stranded abroad due to the Iran conflict.

1 of 2

Story summary

Israeli authorities are ramping up efforts to repatriate medical staff stranded abroad amid the Iran conflict.
ZIM Shipping facilitates the return of doctors from Limassol, Cyprus to Haifa, with 40 already back and shuttles planned.
El Al is preparing emergency flights from global locations as Ben Gurion Airport reopens for wartime evacuations.
The flights will initially serve stranded customers at no charge and include charter flights to Egypt and Jordan.

1 / 2