Israel to Gradually Reopen Airspace After Security Review

Israel to Gradually Reopen Airspace Following Security Assessment
TEL AVIV — Israeli aviation authorities are moving forward with a framework to gradually reopen the country’s airspace, signaling a cautious return to operations at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Following a series of high-level security evaluations, officials announced that the reopening is slated for the overnight window between Wednesday and Thursday. The move comes as the industry looks to restore connectivity after recent disruptions, though the return to "business as usual" will be strictly controlled and phased to maintain safety standards.
A Two-Phase Restart
Once the gates open, Ben Gurion Airport is expected to operate around the clock. However, travelers should not expect an immediate return to full flight schedules. The recovery will follow a specific, two-step escalation:
• Phase 1: Authorities will initially permit the entry of only one passenger aircraft per hour.
• Phase 2: Pending further security and operational reviews, capacity is expected to double to two aircraft per hour (or a single wide-body aircraft).
Operational Pauses Expected
Even with the 24/7 schedule, the "new normal" at Ben Gurion will include intermittent interruptions. Aviation officials warned that "initiated operational pauses"—specific time windows where traffic may be halted—are likely to occur based on real-time directives and shifting security needs.
The entire framework remains subject to final government approval. For now, airlines and passengers are being advised to remain flexible as the situation on the ground continues to evolve.