Israir says it will only start bringing stranded Israelis home at end of week or later

Israeli airline Israir cancels all flights from and to Tel Aviv through June 30 as the country’s airspace remains closed until further notice, but announces preparations to start operating flights for Israelis stranded abroad to come home.

Israair CEO Uri Sirkis says security issues remain a concern as the carrier looks to start flying again later this week.

“The operation to return Israeli citizens residing abroad may begin toward the end of the week, and perhaps not until the beginning of next week,” says Israir CEO Uri Sirkis. “We are still studying the enemy, the patterns, to understand the ritual of the threats.”

Israir notes that once flights are approved by authorities and defense officials, Israelis will be able to book seats through the company’s website. Tickets for the one-way flights back to Israel will be set at a fixed price depending on where they take off from, which has not yet been determined.

Sirkis adds, “The flights will only be operated for returning Israelis and Israelis [or any other passengers] will not be allowed to leave the country at this stage.”

The plan, says Sirkis, “will allow for only two flights per hour, during all hours of the day, subject to the security situation.” He notes that the proposed pace is “optimistic.”