Resumption of Outbound Flights from Ben Gurion Airport Amid Ongoing Conflict

As of March 8, 2026, Israel's Ben Gurion Airport has partially reopened for outbound flights for the first time since the onset of the conflict with Iran on February 28. This reopening follows a week-long closure that left tens of thousands of travelers stranded both in Israel and abroad. The Israeli Transportation Ministry announced that flights would be limited to a maximum of two narrow-body aircraft per hour, with each flight carrying between 50 to 100 passengers, depending on the airline and aircraft size.

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Passengers wishing to depart must adhere to strict guidelines. They are required to sign a commitment stating they will not return to Israel for at least 30 days from their departure date. Additionally, travelers must check in online and arrive at the airport approximately one and a half hours before their flight. The Ministry of Transport has emphasized minimizing the time aircraft spend on the ground due to ongoing missile threats from Iran and Lebanon, which necessitate longer security checks for outbound flights.

Globes

Outbound flights are currently operated by Israeli airlines, including El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa. These flights are primarily scheduled to nearby destinations such as Athens, Rome, Larnaca, and Prague, serving as connection points for international travel. The Transportation Ministry has also reserved 15% of outbound seats for humanitarian, security, and diplomatic cases.

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Since the conflict began, over 20,000 Israelis have returned home, with approximately 120,000 still seeking to return. The government has been facilitating repatriation flights from various international locations, including major European cities and the United States. On the first day of resumed operations, about 3,500 passengers were successfully flown back to Israel, while many others have opted for land crossings into neighboring countries to catch flights from there.

Times of Israel

Despite the resumption of flights, there are ongoing concerns regarding safety and the effectiveness of the measures in place. Critics have pointed out that the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalations in conflict. The Transportation Ministry has stated that it will continue to monitor security developments closely and adjust flight operations accordingly.

Globes

Transportation Minister Miri Regev has expressed commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Israelis stranded abroad, stating, “We are doing everything to return every Israeli home safely.” The ministry aims to expand the scope of outbound flights in the coming days, contingent upon security assessments.

Times of Israel

The situation remains dynamic, with the government planning to increase the number of outbound flights as conditions allow. However, the ongoing conflict and security concerns will continue to dictate the operational capacity of Ben Gurion Airport and the broader aviation landscape in the region.

Times of Israel