Israel reopens for limited outbound flights amid ongoing conflict
Israel has cautiously reopened its skies for some outbound repatriation flights, allowing a small number of passengers to depart the country as regional tensions continue.
The move comes as part of a tightly controlled evacuation effort, with authorities capping each departing aircraft at just 50 passengers to manage security risks and emergency response logistics.
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) has also resumed limited inbound operations, following more than a week of closures triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Most arrivals and departures have been cancelled but some flights are operating, notably from Greece, Italy, Cyprus and the UK.
The outbound flight cap is part of a broader strategy to ensure safety during take-off windows, which remain tightly coordinated with the military and civil aviation authorities.
Israel repatriation flights
These restricted flights are primarily aimed at facilitating the repatriation of foreign nationals and high-priority travellers, such as those with urgent medical needs or security concerns.
The UK government has been working with Israeli officials to support the departure of British citizens, with options including direct flights or onward connections through Jordan, Egypt, and Cyprus.
Although some commercial airlines remain grounded due to airspace risks, Israel’s national carrier, EL AL, has resumed limited services.
The UK Foreign Office is advising citizens to register their location and await confirmation before travelling to the airport.
The UK is preparing a flight to transport vulnerable British nationals and their dependants out of Israel and the OPTs early next week.
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 22, 2025
British nationals in Israel and the OPTs should register their presence to receive the latest updates and register their interest in the… pic.twitter.com/E4rbZxakme
Additional consular teams have been deployed to border regions to assist with alternative travel arrangements where flights are not immediately available.
“We expect local airlines to operate 24 incoming repatriation flights arriving from international destinations on Monday, and on each outgoing flight, there will be a limit of 50 passengers leaving,” said Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev.
“We need to limit the number of passengers on planes on the tarmac during this challenging period when the airport can be a target.
“I believe that by the weekend, we will be able to weigh whether we can increase the number of passengers on outgoing flights, as well as the hours of flight operations, subject to the security situation and guidelines by the Home Front Command.”
Stranded tourists in Israel
Around 40,000 tourists have been stranded in Israel since the latest escalation of violence with Iran began on 13 June.
Some 84,000 Israelis are estimated to be stranded abroad and awaiting transport to travel home.
Since Wednesday, authorities have allowed two repatriation flights per hour to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, bringing Israeli nationals home.
AMAZING 🤩
— Elly 🎗️Israel Hamas War Updates (@elly_bar) June 20, 2025
Watch Israelis RETURN home on special rescue flights after being stranded abroad.
Watch the how the flight attendant is dancing in joy to bring them home. 🇮🇱
WE ARE NEVER LEAVING #ISRAEL pic.twitter.com/k5MW2FFSx5
These aircraft departed immediately after landing without boarding any outbound passengers.
Outbound flights are now operating exclusively through Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion. Access to the terminal is restricted to ticketed passengers.
El Al has announced plans to resume service to eight major international destinations as part of its limited flight schedule.
On Monday, Arkia plans to operate three flights to Tel Aviv, from Athens, Rome, and Larnaca.
