Israel is gradually restoring air connectivity, as commercial flights restart from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa, after the state of emergency was lifted and the country’s airspace was opened. The decision comes a few days after the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Iran on Tuesday.
Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main international gateway for entry and exit, confirmed that flights have resumed. However, in a statement, it urged travelers to consult the flight schedule via the Israel Airports Authority website and to confirm the status of their flight with the respective airline, as the schedule is still experiencing delays and changes.
According to today’s (Thursday) schedule, flights to London are operated by El Al, while Israir maintains a flight to Luton Airport. However, the Cypriot TUS Airways appears with a delayed flight, which indicates the difficulty of fully normalizing the situation. Most departures to European destinations are made by El Al and the low-cost Israir.
El Al announced that it is starting to increase frequencies and restart routes from key destinations, where Israeli passengers are still waiting to return to the country. “From next week, our flights will operate according to the normal schedule, with the exception of some canceled flights,” the company’s announcement typically states. Flights to Luton remain canceled at least until the middle of next week, according to the official schedule.
According to the Israel Tourism Board, the Airport Authority and Ben Gurion Airport are in regular contact with international airlines to update the flight schedule and accelerate full operation.
Travel advice update from Britain
The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel advice for Israel yesterday (Wednesday), taking into account the end of the state of emergency and the reopening of airspace. In its statement, it confirmed the resumption of operations at both Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa Airport.
The FCDO notes that “commercial flights continue to operate from airports in the region to various destinations, including the United Kingdom”. However, it points out that the current situation has caused serious disruption to air and road connections, and problems with the availability and smooth operation of flights may continue.
“The situation is volatile and may deteriorate rapidly and without warning. Any attacks could be indiscriminate, involving areas frequented by foreign nationals,” the statement says.
Border crossings to Jordan and Egypt remain open; however, the FCDO warns that operating hours may change unexpectedly, even over the weekend.
Despite the resumption of flights and the improved security situation, the FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory until further notice.
Caution and gradual normalization
The reopening of the airport is an important step towards normality, but the full restoration of connections and traveler confidence is expected to be gradual. Travel agents and airlines are taking a wait-and-see approach, while passengers are urged to stay informed of any changes to itineraries and security measures.
The Israeli aviation industry is going through a particularly critical phase, as the recent tension has significantly affected the country’s international connections. The coming period will determine to what extent operational normality can be restored, amidst a geopolitical situation that remains fragile.
