El Al rescue flight lands at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, June 18, 2025. (Photo: Yossi Aloni/Flash90)
Ben Gurion International Airport – Israel’s primary hub for international travel – is preparing to resume full operations, despite Iran breaching the ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and Qatar on Tuesday. The violation occurred at 10:30 a.m., when Iran launched missiles toward northern Israel, after the ceasefire was meant to have taken effect.
Tens of thousands of Israelis remain stranded abroad after Israel’s airspace closed as a result of the last 12 days of war with Iran. The Israeli Airport Authority (IAA) and Transportation Ministry are moving forward with efforts to fully reopen Israel’s airspace.
“As part of preparations, an ongoing situation assessment is being conducted with all relevant parties, including the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defense, with the aim of enabling a gradual return to normal in the coming hours. IAA is working in close coordination with all airlines and bodies that are partners in airport operations, to ensure an orderly and safe process for the traveling public,” the IAA stated .
Early Tuesday evening, Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced a new plan that includes increasing flight frequency, extending airport hours, and reinstating services from foreign airlines.
“I have instructed the Israel Airports Authority to prepare for the final phase of the safe return operation,” said Regev. “The plan will be implemented subject to two conditions: lifting of Home Front Command restrictions and coordination with security and intelligence agencies.”
According to Regev, 24 flights are scheduled to land at Ben Gurion Airport today, along with nine flights arriving in Haifa. In addition, a Mano cruise ship docked earlier this morning, carrying 1,900 Israeli citizens back home.
By the end of the day, more than 100,000 of the estimated 150,000 Israelis stranded abroad are expected to have been returned. Around 70,000 passengers have also departed Israel during this period, she added.
Regev encouraged the public to move ahead with their summer travel plans.
“Those who planned flights for June, July and August can continue to prepare and enjoy their vacation – Israeli citizens can leave the country and return safely,” Regev emphasized. “I call on Israeli carriers to act fairly, set reasonable prices and be alert to the plight of Israeli passengers.”
Several international carriers, including Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Blue Bird, TUS Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines, have submitted requests to resume service to Israel, Regev noted. While additional discussions are planned with other foreign airlines, she acknowledged that many have already finalized their summer schedules. As a result, Israel will largely rely on its domestic fleet for the time being.
