In brief
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, El Al Airlines has received approval to operate flights beginning Wednesday to repatriate approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis stranded in foreign countries. The initiative aims to bring back travelers from Athens, Rome, Milan, Paris, and Larnaca, while regular flight operations remain suspended.
El Al Airlines announced on Tuesday that it would begin recovery flights for stranded Israelis in selected European cities as fighting between Israel and Iran continues. The airline stated that its flights would commence on Wednesday, marking the fifth day of intense clashes between the two nations. The Israeli government provided the necessary permissions for these flights, which will prioritize travelers based on the cancellation dates of their original flights and urgent medical needs. All regular El Al flights have been halted until at least Monday following the closure of Israeli airspace for all commercial travel since Friday. Travelers wishing to leave Israel are currently unable to do so, and the Israeli National Security Council has urged citizens against attempting to cross into Jordan or Egypt due to heightened security concerns. In addition to the flights, a cruise ship operated by Mano Maritime will also assist in returning stranded Israeli tourists from Cyprus, with plans to transport up to 2,000 passengers. With civilian casualties climbing in both Iran and Israel—24 fatalities and around 600 injuries reported in Israel, while over 200 have died in Iran—some Israelis are opting to remain abroad as uncertainty looms over the resolution of the conflict.Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics.
