In brief
El Al has secured government approval to operate rescue flights for thousands of Israelis stranded abroad due to ongoing hostilities with Iran, highlighting the situation's urgency.
El Al, Israel's flagship airline, announced on Tuesday that it has been granted governmental permission to commence recovery flights for Israeli citizens stranded in Athens, Rome, Milan, Paris, and Larnaca, Cyprus, starting Wednesday. This decision comes as the fifth day of intense conflict between Israel and Iran unfolds, resulting in closed airspace for commercial flights. The airline confirmed in a statement that these flights are already fully booked, with priority given to travelers based on their original flight cancellation dates and any urgent medical needs. An estimated 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis who left prior to the escalated conflict have found themselves unable to return home.El Al cautioned that scheduled commercial flights from Israel will be suspended until at least Monday, and there is an ongoing uncertainty related to outbound travel for individuals visiting Israel when the hostilities commenced. The Israeli National Security Council has warned against attempting to enter Israel via border crossings with Jordan or Egypt due to heightened security threats.In addition to airline recovery efforts, stranded tourists will have the option of returning to Israel via a cruise ship operated by Mano Maritime, which is set to depart from Limassol, Cyprus, on Thursday. This ship is capable of accommodating up to 2,000 passengers and will make multiple trips as part of the coordinated recovery effort with Israel’s transportation ministry, although Mano Maritime has not yet offered further comments on the situation.As the conflict continues to escalate with rising civilian casualties—reported at 24 deaths and around 600 injuries in Israel, alongside more than 200 fatalities and 1,400 injuries in Iran—some Israelis are opting to remain abroad, uncertain of when it might be safe to return.
