Israel began allowing outbound flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Monday after nearly ten days of suspension, following the escalation with Iran. Authorities expected over 1,000 passengers to leave the country that day. Each plane is restricted to just 50 passengers, with top priority given to urgent medical, humanitarian, and national security-related cases.Transportation Minister Miri Regev explained the decision, stating, “We need to limit the number of passengers on planes on the tarmac during this challenging period when the airport can be a target.”
The country’s airspace was closed on June 13, after Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, stranding about 40,000 foreign tourists. Some travelers were only able to leave through land routes to Egypt and Jordan or by sea.Israel began a phased national repatriation program last week, aiming to bring back 100,000–150,000 citizens. Since Wednesday, El Al, Israir, and Arkia have been operating daylight-only inbound flights from Europe and the U.S. due to the risk of night-time missile attacks. Incoming flights have been landing at a rate of two per hour, but without outbound passengers—until now.
All outbound flights are currently operating from Terminal 3. Only travelers with valid tickets may enter, with exceptions for those assisting minors or passengers with special needs. Passengers are instructed to arrive no earlier than two hours before departure, use public transportation, and limit time at the terminal. Cafés remain open, but duty-free stores are closed.El Al announced outbound flights to eight cities. Canceled ticket holders since June 13 will be rebooked at no extra cost. For new bookings, fixed rates apply: Larnaca ($99), Athens ($149), Rome/Paris/London ($299), New York/Los Angeles ($795), and Bangkok ($695). Arkia will operate six flights to select European destinations.
Minister Regev added that outbound travelers can only book return flights dated at least 30 days after departure. “We estimate that about 84,000 Israelis still need to return,” she said.
Israel's cautious reopening of departures show a shift in wartime travel restrictions, but future flight capacity will depend on security updates.
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