Civil aviation chief warns foreign airlines of ‘sensitive period’ amid Iran tensions

Amid heightened tensions with Iran, Civil Aviation Authority head Shmuel Zakai warned foreign airlines that the region may be entering a “more sensitive period” by the end of the week, according to a letter obtained by Channel 12.

In the message, Zakai says the security situation remains “dynamic,” and stresses that Israel could again move to close its airspace if necessary — as it did in the Iranian conflicts of April and October 2024 and in June 2025 — while authorities continue to monitor and adjust based on developments.

Channel 12 reports that Zakai issued a clarification to airlines after the letter was published, claiming he was referring to last weekend, though the letter itself included explicit references to the upcoming weekend.

Meanwhile, El Al, Arkia, and Israir are easing the terms under which passengers can cancel tickets if necessary, Channel 12 reports. It says many passengers are contacting the airlines amid fears that their flights might be canceled. As things stand, the TV report stresses, Ben Gurion Airport is functioning as normal.