In light of the ongoing conflict with Iran, El Al, Israel’s national airline, has begun recovery flights to repatriate approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis stranded abroad. The flights are set to commence from multiple European cities, while the safety protocols are under strict governmental guidelines.
El Al Commences Recovery Flights for Stranded Israelis Amid Ongoing Conflict
El Al Commences Recovery Flights for Stranded Israelis Amid Ongoing Conflict
With the closure of Israeli airspace due to escalating tensions with Iran, El Al airline has initiated recovery flights to bring back Israeli travelers stranded in Europe.
Amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, El Al, Israel's national airline, has announced recovery flights to bring home thousands of its citizens stranded internationally. Since Friday, Israel's airspace has been closed to commercial flights following a surprise attack from Iran, leaving an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis unable to return home.
On Tuesday, El Al received governmental approval to commence repatriation operations starting Wednesday from locations including Athens, Rome, Milan, Paris, and Larnaca, Cyprus. “We are preparing to operate recovery flights in accordance with the framework and guidelines set by the Ministry of Transportation,” the airline stated, confirming that reservations were already fully booked. Priority for these flights is being assigned based on the original cancellation dates of travelers' tickets and urgent medical needs.
Regular flight services from El Al remain suspended through at least Monday, and there are currently no outbound flights available for visitors in Israel seeking to return to their home countries. Due to security concerns, the Israeli National Security Council has advised against land crossings into Jordan or Egypt for returning citizens.
In addition to air travel, Mano Maritime, an Israeli cruise company, is facilitating a return journey for some tourists from Cyprus, with the ship expected to embark on its first journey on Thursday from Limassol, carrying up to 2,000 passengers. The coordinated operation with the Israeli transportation ministry entails approximately 16 hours of sea travel each way.
As the conflict continues to escalate and civilian casualties mount on both sides, some Israelis stuck in Europe are contemplating remaining abroad for the time being, given the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing military engagements. Reports indicate that at least 24 Israelis have died and over 600 have sustained injuries, while Israeli strikes in Iran have resulted in more than 200 fatalities and around 1,400 injuries.
As the situation develops, El Al's and Mano Maritime's efforts to respond to the needs of stranded Israelis highlight the ongoing humanitarian challenges stemming from the conflict.
