El Al, Israel's leading airline, announced recovery flights for stranded travelers as tensions with Iran escalate, with reports indicating between 100,000 and 150,000 Israelis unable to return home due to airspace closures and ongoing military actions.
Israeli Airline Launches Recovery Flights Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran
Israeli Airline Launches Recovery Flights Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran
As conflicts persist, thousands of Israelis stranded abroad finally receive flight options.
As fighting rages on between Israel and Iran, El Al has secured governmental approval to commence recovery flights for stranded Israelis. Starting Wednesday, these flights will enable travelers to return home from key European cities including Athens, Rome, Milan, Paris, and Larnaca, Cyprus. The urgent response comes amid significant safety concerns and increasing civilian casualties reported on both sides. The airline noted that the flights are already fully booked, prioritizing travelers based on flight cancellations and medical emergencies.
The closure of Israeli airspace for commercial flights, initiated following a surprise attack on Iran, has left approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis stuck outside the country. Though regular services are suspended until at least Monday, there is no clarity regarding options for those visiting Israel when hostilities began. The Israeli National Security Council has cautioned citizens against returning home via borders with Jordan or Egypt, citing increased security risks.
Additionally, some Israeli tourists will have the chance to return via a cruise operated by Mano Maritime, which is coordinated with the Israeli transportation ministry. The ship is scheduled to depart Limassol, Cyprus, on Thursday, capable of ferrying around 2,000 passengers on a round trip that lasts approximately 16 hours.
Meanwhile, many travelers are weighing their options carefully, considering the ongoing hostilities and rising death tolls on both sides—24 fatalities and 600 injuries reported in Israel, and over 200 deaths and 1,400 reported injuries in Iran from Israeli airstrikes. As uncertainties loom, the situation remains fluid and complex, keeping many Israelis, and their families, on edge as hostilities continue unabated.
The closure of Israeli airspace for commercial flights, initiated following a surprise attack on Iran, has left approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis stuck outside the country. Though regular services are suspended until at least Monday, there is no clarity regarding options for those visiting Israel when hostilities began. The Israeli National Security Council has cautioned citizens against returning home via borders with Jordan or Egypt, citing increased security risks.
Additionally, some Israeli tourists will have the chance to return via a cruise operated by Mano Maritime, which is coordinated with the Israeli transportation ministry. The ship is scheduled to depart Limassol, Cyprus, on Thursday, capable of ferrying around 2,000 passengers on a round trip that lasts approximately 16 hours.
Meanwhile, many travelers are weighing their options carefully, considering the ongoing hostilities and rising death tolls on both sides—24 fatalities and 600 injuries reported in Israel, and over 200 deaths and 1,400 reported injuries in Iran from Israeli airstrikes. As uncertainties loom, the situation remains fluid and complex, keeping many Israelis, and their families, on edge as hostilities continue unabated.
