Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

El Al Flight Diverts Amid Iran Missile Threat

3/7/2026

37 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

El Al Israel Airlines flight LY1006 from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv faced an emergency on March 5, 2026, due to missile launches from Iran.
The flight was held over the Mediterranean for about 20 minutes and landed at Ben-Gurion Airport at 8:50 a.m., 44 minutes late.
On the same day, Israel repatriated about 3,500 citizens and planned outbound flights to resume Sunday amid Iran-related airspace restrictions.

History

Historical Context

In 1981, Israel's Operation Opera targeted Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor, escalating tensions with Iran and leading to the establishment of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This conflict has persisted, with ongoing missile threats from Iran affecting civilian air travel, as seen in the recent emergency involving El Al flight LY1006, prompting Israel to impose airspace restrictions and repatriate citizens.

1 of 2

Story summary

El Al Israel Airlines flight LY1006 from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv faced an emergency on March 5, 2026, due to missile launches from Iran.
The flight was held over the Mediterranean for about 20 minutes and landed at Ben-Gurion Airport at 8:50 a.m., 44 minutes late.
On the same day, Israel repatriated about 3,500 citizens and planned outbound flights to resume Sunday amid Iran-related airspace restrictions.

1 / 2