Amid a sudden military offensive against Iran, tens of thousands of Israeli citizens are stranded abroad due to closed airspace and canceled flights, prompting urgent calls for assistance.
Stranded Abroad: Tens of Thousands of Israelis Left Hopeless Following Iran Attack
Stranded Abroad: Tens of Thousands of Israelis Left Hopeless Following Iran Attack
Thousands of travelers find themselves trapped overseas as Israel closes airspace amidst military conflict with Iran.
On June 16, 2025, the aftermath of Israel's surprise military attack on Iran has left countless travelers in a precarious situation as the nation's airspace was rapidly closed to civilian flights. Reports indicate that between 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis are currently abroad, many scrambling to find refuge or return home.
The main airport serving Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion, saw minimal activity on Friday after the swift military action, which necessitated an immediate halt to civilian air traffic. Social media platforms overflowed with urgent pleas from stranded individuals seeking assistance. One Israeli stuck in Berlin expressed concerns about his dwindling medication supply, while others found themselves in unfamiliar countries, such as two sisters in Barcelona, desperately seeking local contacts.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has authorized a limited number of rescue flights to commence, although it may be three days before they can begin operations. Given Israel's extended shoreline and proximity to tourist hotspots like Cyprus, officials are examining maritime alternatives. However, the absence of regular ferry services and threats surrounding land border crossings into Jordan and Egypt have left many cut off.
Israeli authorities have advised citizens abroad to remain vigilant, awaiting updates from the Ministry of Transportation as they collaborate with airlines to navigate the situation. An online registration platform has been created for Israeli citizens abroad to log their whereabouts, but officials have cautioned that it could take weeks to orchestrate a return for all stranded.
Amid heightened tensions, Rachel Brettler, who began her vacation in Santorini, described a sense of unease while receiving missile alerts from Israel. The current conflict is compounded further by pre-existing travel restrictions following the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, which led to a war in Gaza, causing many airlines to curtail flights to Israel.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from its military operation, support systems are mobilizing to address the urgent needs of those displaced and isolated by the sudden turn of events.
The main airport serving Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion, saw minimal activity on Friday after the swift military action, which necessitated an immediate halt to civilian air traffic. Social media platforms overflowed with urgent pleas from stranded individuals seeking assistance. One Israeli stuck in Berlin expressed concerns about his dwindling medication supply, while others found themselves in unfamiliar countries, such as two sisters in Barcelona, desperately seeking local contacts.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has authorized a limited number of rescue flights to commence, although it may be three days before they can begin operations. Given Israel's extended shoreline and proximity to tourist hotspots like Cyprus, officials are examining maritime alternatives. However, the absence of regular ferry services and threats surrounding land border crossings into Jordan and Egypt have left many cut off.
Israeli authorities have advised citizens abroad to remain vigilant, awaiting updates from the Ministry of Transportation as they collaborate with airlines to navigate the situation. An online registration platform has been created for Israeli citizens abroad to log their whereabouts, but officials have cautioned that it could take weeks to orchestrate a return for all stranded.
Amid heightened tensions, Rachel Brettler, who began her vacation in Santorini, described a sense of unease while receiving missile alerts from Israel. The current conflict is compounded further by pre-existing travel restrictions following the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, which led to a war in Gaza, causing many airlines to curtail flights to Israel.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from its military operation, support systems are mobilizing to address the urgent needs of those displaced and isolated by the sudden turn of events.
