Israel reopens airspace, begins limited outbound flights

More than 70,000 Israelis return as outbound travel resumes under strict limits.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

Israel reopened its airspace at 2 p.m. Sunday, allowing limited outbound flights to resume for the first time since the start of hostilities with Iran, Globes reported.

The airspace had been shut overnight following the U.S. strike on three of Iran’s main nuclear sites.

More than 70,000 Israeli citizens have returned home over the past week through land, sea, and specially arranged rescue flights.

Approximately 40,000 traveled via neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt, 6,500 arrived by sea—primarily from Cyprus—and 25,000 were flown home by Israeli airlines including El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa.

Despite the reopening, outbound flights remain heavily restricted.

According to an outline approved by security and transportation officials, only 50 passengers will be allowed on each departing plane due to ongoing security concerns.

Additionally, travelers leaving Israel will be required to remain abroad for at least 30 days, a measure designed to prioritize return flights for Israelis still stranded overseas.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev said that more than 1,000 passengers are expected to depart Tuesday via special outbound flights from Ben Gurion Airport.

“We expect local airlines to operate 24 incoming repatriation flights… and each outgoing flight will be limited to 50 passengers,” she said.

“We need to limit the number of passengers on planes on the tarmac during this challenging period.”

Regev added that the government would reevaluate restrictions later in the week, depending on the security situation and guidance from the Home Front Command.

All outbound flights will operate exclusively from Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport.

Only passengers with valid tickets will be allowed into the terminal, with exceptions for those assisting travelers with special needs or minors.

Passengers are urged to use public transport and arrive no more than two hours before departure.

Quick private vehicle drop-offs will be permitted.

While cafés near departure gates are open, duty-free shops will remain closed to minimize time spent in the terminal.