Israel’s Airspace Remains Closed as Private Aviation, Airlines Monitor Situation
Flights grounded, borders limited as tens of thousands remain stranded amid Israel-Iran tensions.
(Jerusalem, Israel) Israel’s airspace remains closed to all incoming and outgoing commercial flights following military unrest with Iran, with no set timeline for reopening; the situation has left tens of thousands of travelers stranded abroad or in place in Israel, while both commercial and private aviation operators remain on standby.
Photo of airspace closures following Israeli strikes on Iran Courtesy of FlightRadar24 FlightRadar24.
According to the Times of Israel the Israel Airport Authority said Ben Gurion Airport will remain shut until further notice. Any reopening will come with six hours’ advance warning. “All air crews and aircraft are ready for action as soon as this becomes possible,” the authority said. “However, this may take a long time, depending on the security situation.” Authorities are working on a plan to repatriate stranded Israelis using a coordinated effort between the Transportation and Road Safety Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Land border crossings into Jordan and Egypt’s Sinai remain open. However, Israel’s National Security Council is advising against travel through these areas, citing a Level 4 warning for both countries. According to Reuters, “These warnings are especially relevant during this time of heightened tension.”
Commercial airlines have also halted service. El Al (TASE: ELAL), Israel’s national carrier, announced it has suspended all flights until at least June 19, with some European routes canceled through June 23. “Once approvals are received from the relevant security and aviation authorities, we will do everything possible to allow as many Israelis as possible to return home,” El Al stated on social media platform "X."
Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post reports that approximately 100,000 Israelis have had flights canceled since Thursday, with the number growing by over 20,000 each day. El Al, along with Israir and Arkia, has relocated some aircraft to Cyprus in anticipation of reopening when possible, according to the Times of Israel and several other media outlets.
Travelers are advised to continue checking for official updates from Israel’s Ministry of Transportation and local embassies, including the Embassy of Israel in Washington D.C. as the situation develops.
