Under the direction of Transportation Minister Miri Regev and in coordination with security forces: Gradual resumption of flights departing from Israel starting tomorrow
Under the direction of the Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Miri Regev, and in coordination with security forces and the Home Front Command, a gradual departure from Israel via international flights from Ben Gurion Airport will be permitted starting tomorrow.
The departing flights will be operated by Israeli airline aircraft, which are simultaneously carrying out flights to bring Israelis back to the country as part of Operation “Safe Return – Wings of the Lion.”
According to the established plan, the number of passengers on an outgoing flight will be limited to approximately 70 passengers only. Of these, about 15% of the seats will be allocated for humanitarian, security, tourist, and diplomatic cases residing in Israel.
Passengers wishing to leave the country are requested to contact the Israeli airlines directly to check flight availability, register, and be assigned to a flight.
In accordance with the instructions of the Home Front Command and the special operational plan for the airport:
- Passengers must arrive at Ben Gurion Airport only two hours before the flight (and not three hours as is customary in routine).
- Checked baggage will be permitted.
- Pre-check-in before arriving at the airport is mandatory.
Israeli passengers departing from Israel will be required to sign an undertaking not to return to Israel for 30 days from the date of the flight.
For humanitarian, security, tourist, or diplomatic cases, an application can be submitted to the inter-ministerial steering committee for exceptional cases at the link: https://www.gov.il/he/service/safe-passage
The applications will be reviewed according to the established criteria and the decision of the steering committee.
The Israel Airports Authority and Ben Gurion Airport are in constant contact with Israeli and international airlines, with the aim of updating the flight schedule and accelerating the full return to operation of all companies.
In addition to flights, it is possible to leave Israel also through the land border crossings, which continue to operate as usual and in accordance with the approvals of security forces.
The public is requested to follow the airlines’ announcements for the most up-to-date information regarding flight schedules.
The Ministry of Transportation and the Israel Airports Authority will continue to operate in accordance with the directives of the security forces and the Home Front Command in order to enable safe and responsible aviation activity.
Minister of Transportation Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: “After we began the national operation to bring Israelis home, we are continuing to act gradually and responsibly to also allow departure from the country. Every step is taken in full coordination with the security forces and the Home Front Command, while strictly maintaining the safety of passengers and crews. Our goal is to return aviation activity to routine as soon as possible, while responsibly managing the airspace even during this challenging period.”
Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, Moshe Ben Zaken: “The Ministry of Transportation and the Israel Airports Authority are working around the clock with all security forces and airlines to manage air activity in a gradual and safe manner. Alongside the continuation of rescue flights to Israel, we are also allowing controlled departure from the country starting tomorrow, in accordance with the plan of Minister Regev, which was determined in advance, and the directives of the Home Front Command.”
For more information: https://safereturn.mot.gov.il