Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority Releases Report on Civil Aviation During Operation Rising Lion

Jerusalem, 29 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority completed its investigation into civil aviation activities during Operation “Rising Lion” and presented the main conclusions and insights learned from the civil aviation system’s handling of “one of the most complex events the state of israel has ever known.”

During the operation, Israel’s civil airspace was closed, the national aircraft fleet was diverted to airports abroad, and air activity was resumed on a limited scale in accordance with the threat level, Home Front Command directives, and operational and operational capabilities.

The mission defined for the operation included three main objectives:

Maintaining the survivability of the Israeli aircraft fleet.

Preparations for a phased return to civilian activity (Operation “Safe Return”).
Operational support in the security system.

Coping with the challenges was made possible thanks to early preparation and close cooperation between all parties: the IAF, the defense establishment, the IAF, and the airlines, who operated in full coordination, making data-based decisions, risk assessments, and coordinated procedures.

During the operation, aviation professionals, including pilots, inspectors, operations managers, engineers, and field personnel, faced significant challenges. Many of them operated under pressure, high workloads, and uncertainty, but continued to operate with professionalism, responsibility, and full dedication.

The State of Israel was blessed with first-rate aviation professionals.

The IAF values the work of all parties who contributed to the success of the operation, to maintaining the safety of passengers and aircraft, and to protecting national aviation assets.

The lessons learned in the operational investigation will become a joint work plan with all relevant parties, with the aim of improving readiness.