The rescue flight framework is expected to begin during the night between Wednesday and Thursday or early Thursday morning. In the first stage, up to two narrow-body aircraft will land per hour, around the clock.
Later, the format may include either two narrow-body aircraft or one wide-body aircraft per hour — subject to approval by the Home Front Command and security authorities.
Which airlines will operate rescue flights?
The Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia, Israir and Air Haifa are preparing to operate rescue flights to Israel.
El Al announced it will operate rescue flights for passengers whose flights were canceled, at no additional cost for those holding existing tickets. Flights are expected to depart from about 22 destinations worldwide, including locations in Europe, the United States and Thailand. Updated flight details are published on the company’s website.
Arkia is preparing for the rescue operation in accordance with the Transportation Ministry’s framework and will initially operate inbound flights to Israel via Ben Gurion Airport. Passengers whose flights were canceled will receive priority for placement on rescue flights. According to the company, these passengers will be required to purchase a new ticket and will be refunded the difference between the new ticket price and the original fare paid.
Arkia will also continue marketing flights to and from Israel via Aqaba, Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh — which, under the Transportation Ministry’s framework, are currently the only routes for leaving Israel. Updated schedules are available on the company’s website.
Israir also is expected to operate rescue flights from several European destinations to Ben Gurion Airport. In the first stage, priority will be given to Israir passengers whose flights were canceled. These passengers will receive direct notification from the company and do not need to contact customer service. If seats remain after placement, they will be offered for sale to the public. Updated flight schedules are available on the company’s website.
Air Haifa is expected to operate rescue flights in accordance with approved time slots. Initially, flights will depart from the company’s destinations in Cyprus, Athens and Sofia and land at Ben Gurion Airport. If it becomes possible to operate flights to Haifa Airport as well, a separate announcement will be issued. Updates are published on the company’s website.
Will there be rescue flights on Saturday?
Israeli airlines are expected to operate rescue flights over the weekend, depending on operational needs and the number of passengers requiring return to Israel.
As for El Al, the company has not yet published an official position on operating flights on Saturday. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company prefers to wait for the framework’s implementation to begin and assess how many passengers — particularly humanitarian cases — can be returned before the start of the Sabbath.
The assessment is that, if necessary, as in previous rescue operations, flights may operate on Saturday for humanitarian cases only. However, no final decision has yet been made.
How are passengers assigned to rescue flights?
Airlines are assigning passengers gradually, giving priority to those whose original flights to Israel were canceled.
At El Al, for example, assignments are based on the original return date to Israel, while also taking into account exceptional humanitarian and medical cases. Once assigned, each passenger will receive a personal notification with flight details.
Israir and Air Haifa customers whose flights were canceled will receive priority placement and direct updates from the company.
Arkia passengers whose flights were canceled are asked to register on a designated website published by the airline for planning purposes.
Will humanitarian cases receive priority?
The government has approved the establishment of an inter-ministerial steering committee to examine requests for expedited return to Israel in exceptional or humanitarian cases. The committee will formulate equitable prioritization criteria, and implementation will be coordinated with the airlines and subject to safety and security considerations.
According to the transportation minister, airlines are expected to allocate about 10% of seats on flights for humanitarian cases, with each case reviewed individually.
When will I know which flight I’ve been assigned to?
After assignments are completed, passengers will receive a personal notification with flight details. At El Al, for example, a temporary flight number beginning with the digit 7 indicates that the passenger is in the assignment process, and a further notice will be sent once final placement is confirmed.
If a passenger chooses to travel to another rescue destination to board an earlier flight, this is done at their own responsibility.
Can I contact customer service to speed up placement?
No. Customer service centers do not handle placement on rescue flights or changes in priority order.
What if I do not wish to wait for placement?
Passengers may cancel their flight via the airline’s website or through their travel agent, in accordance with ticket conditions and the law. However, those who choose to receive a refund or voucher will forfeit their place in the current framework.
How far in advance will I be notified of my flight?
There is no guaranteed advance notice period. Passengers are advised to be prepared for relatively short notice.
Can anyone purchase a ticket for rescue flights?
At this stage, the focus is on returning passengers whose flights to Israel were canceled. If seats remain after placement, airlines may open sales to the public.
El Al, for example, has suspended ticket sales for flights until at least March 21.
I have a flight departing from Israel, what happens to it?
For now, the framework focuses on returning Israelis stranded abroad. The possibility of operating outbound flights will be examined later, depending on the security assessment.
In the meantime, it remains possible to leave Israel via Aqaba, Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh, in accordance with the Transportation Ministry’s framework.
Will food be served on rescue flights?
On short flights using narrow-body aircraft (mainly from Europe), only water will be served. Passengers are advised to bring food and snacks. On long-haul flights from North America and Thailand, food and beverage service is expected.
What about baggage?
Checked baggage may be collected from the carousel as usual. However, items held at duty-free shops cannot be collected at this stage.
How do I get home after landing?
Israel Railways and bus lines will be available for arriving passengers. Those who left their car in long-term parking at Ben Gurion Airport will be able to reach it by shuttle and will not be charged for parking days during which they were abroad.
First published: 18:23, 03.04.26