Full Breakdown
Israel's Airspace Reopens Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran
3/5/2026, 9:29:59 PM
Gradual Resumption of Flights to Ben Gurion Airport
Israel's airspace is set to gradually reopen, allowing airlines to resume flights to Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. This decision comes after a closure initiated on Saturday due to U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran, which prompted missile attacks from Iran against Israel. The reopening plan will begin with limited operations, permitting one passenger flight per hour, with an eventual increase to two flights per hour as security conditions allow.
Israir and Arkia, two of Israel's smaller airlines, have announced plans to operate multiple flights starting Thursday from cities including Rome, Berlin, Athens, Batumi, and Rovaniemi. El Al, Israel's flag carrier, is also preparing to conduct repatriation flights from over 20 cities, including New York, Miami, and London, to assist approximately 100,000 Israelis stranded abroad.
Official Statements on Reopening Strategy
Transportation Minister Miri Regev emphasized the importance of safely returning Israelis, stating, “Our mission is to bring back Israelis safely.” The framework allows for 10,000 passengers to return daily once operations are fully ramped up. The Israel Airports Authority has indicated that passengers will be required to leave the terminal quickly after arriving to minimize security risks amid ongoing threats.
El Al has begun assigning stranded passengers to repatriation flights based on their original ticket dates, ensuring that those affected by cancellations are prioritized. Arkia has also committed to providing priority for its customers whose flights were canceled.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the plans for reopening, there are concerns regarding the safety of inbound flights due to the ongoing conflict. Critics have pointed out the potential risks associated with operating flights during heightened military tensions. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the pricing strategies of airlines during this crisis, with calls for airlines to avoid exploiting the situation for profit.
Conflicting Reports on Passenger Numbers
There are discrepancies regarding the number of passengers expected to be repatriated. While the Transportation Ministry anticipates around 10,000 passengers per day, other reports suggest that the actual number may vary based on security assessments and operational capabilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our mission is to bring back Israelis safely,” — Miri Regev, Transportation Minister
- “This means that at the peak of activity after 24 hours, if everything goes as it should and there are no security changes, we will be able to return about 10,000 passengers to Israel a day,” — Miri Regev, Transportation Minister
- “This is Israeli airlines’ opportunity to prove that in a time of crisis, they really understand the hardship and understand that they can profit but not to extort prices they charge.” — Miri Regev, Transportation Minister
As the situation evolves, airlines are preparing to adapt their operations based on security developments, with the hope of facilitating the safe return of stranded Israelis in the coming days.
