Transportation minister says Israel aiming to fully reopen airspace, several foreign airlines ask to resume flights

Transportation Minister Miri Regev says Israel is advancing a plan to fully open its airspace by increasing the number of flights, extending airport operating hours, and bringing back foreign carriers.

“I have instructed the Israel Airports Authority to prepare for the final phase of the safe return operation,” says Regev. “The plan will be implemented subject to two conditions: lifting of Home Front Command restrictions and coordination with security and intelligence agencies.”

“Today, 24 flights will land at Ben Gurion Airport, and 9 flights in Haifa, while this morning, a Mano cruise arrived with 1,900 Israelis,” Regev says.

From the beginning of the safe return operation until the end of today, more than 100,000 Israelis out of an estimated 150,000 will have returned home, and about 70,000 passengers will have departed, according to Regev.

Looking ahead, Regev encourages the public to prepare and make plans for the summer months.

“Those who planned flights for June, July and August can continue to prepare and enjoy their vacation – Israeli citizens can leave the country and return safely,” Regev emphasizes. “I call on Israeli carriers to act fairly, set reasonable prices and be alert to the plight of Israeli passengers.”

Regev says that a number of foreign airlines have already applied to resume their flight operations to Israel, including flydubai, Etihad Airways, Blue Bird, TUS Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.

“We will also speak to additional foreign airlines,” said Regev. “However, many foreign carriers have already scheduled summer flight routes in advance, so at this stage we will rely mainly on the Israeli fleet of aircraft.”