Israel Skies Open, Will Chassanim Make It?

After nearly two weeks of closure, Israel has begun resuming outbound flights as part of Operation “Safe Return.” Among those affected are many chassanim who traveled abroad before their chassuna, including a large group who flew to 770 for their ufruf, and are now hoping to return in time for their chassuna.

By Anash.org reporter

After nearly two weeks of closure, Israel has begun resuming outbound flights as part of Operation “Safe Return.” Among those affected are many chassanim who traveled abroad before their chassuna, including many who flew to 770 for their ufruf, and are now hoping to return in time for their chassuna.

On Sunday evening, the Israel Airports Authority announced a significant expansion of the operation, with both inbound and outbound flights increasing. As of Monday, Ben Gurion Airport is operating around the clock. According to Transportation Minister Miri Regev, “Ben Gurion Airport will now operate at full capacity, 24 hours a day. We are committed to helping every Israeli return home and to enabling travel under safe and secure conditions.”

Outbound flights will initially be limited to 50 passengers per plane. Departures will take place only from Terminal 3, with access restricted to ticketed passengers. Entry is through Gate 02 on the ground floor, while the upper levels remain closed. Inbound flights are continuing with growing volume and capacity.

The gradual reopening follows the Home Front Command’s lifting of restrictions last Tuesday, after a ceasefire with Iran went into effect. “Restrictions on the number of incoming and outgoing flights, as well as the number of passengers on each flight, have been lifted,” the Airports Authority confirmed. “In addition, restrictions on the arrival of passengers and accompanying persons at the airports have been lifted.”

Civil Aviation Authority director Shmuel Zakai noted that full operations will not resume overnight. “We won’t restart airport operations at a full pace. It’s a shame to create illusions,” he said.

El Al has resumed flights at full capacity. Passengers with tickets canceled after the June 13 shutdown can use them at no additional cost. The airline is prioritizing travelers who submitted registration forms and is expanding service to high-demand destinations such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, and Bangkok, with additional flights launching to cities like Warsaw, Budapest, and Prague.

Israeli airlines Arkia and Israir are also restarting their summer schedules. Arkia will resume full service July 1 to destinations including Rhodes, Amsterdam, and New York. Israir is adding flights to Athens, Larnaca, Varna, and other locations in the coming days.

Several foreign carriers, including flydubai, Etihad Airways, Blue Bird, TUS Airways, Red Wings, and Ethiopian Airlines, have applied to resume operations, but most international airlines have not returned and are expected to delay flights through the summer.

Since the launch of Operation “Safe Return,” over 100,000 Israelis have returned home. On Tuesday, 24 flights landed at Ben Gurion and nine in Haifa. A cruise carrying 1,900 Israelis docked in Ashdod.

The Ministry of Transportation emphasized that current capacity remains limited and all flights are subject to change based on security assessments.

While capacity remains limited and schedules are still being worked out, the expanded flight operations are expected to help more people travel in the coming days. Along with chassanim returning for their chassuna, families, relatives, and friends are also booking flights. So are yeshiva bochurim and seminary girls traveling to or from Eretz Yisroel, whether heading home or preparing for the summer.

The Ministry of Transportation continues to emphasize that all flights are subject to change depending on security conditions, and space remains limited.