Israel’s major airlines, including El Al, Arkia, Israir and Air Haifa, have canceled all flights through at least June 17 as the country’s airspace remains closed to civilian aviation amid ongoing security concerns.
El Al said Sunday that all of its flights, as well as those operated by its low-cost subsidiary Sun d’Or, are canceled through Tuesday. The airline added that flights to and from dozens of international destinations — including Berlin, Tbilisi, Barcelona, Batumi, Warsaw, Rhodes, Munich, Tivat, Lisbon, Tokyo, Krakow, Venice, Thessaloniki, Marseille, Heraklion, Kefalonia, Santorini, Chisinau, Belgrade, Tirana, Porto, Mykonos, Lefkada and Moscow — will remain suspended through June 23.
“We understand the distress and uncertainty this situation is causing our passengers, both those stranded abroad and those with disrupted travel plans,” the airline said in a statement. El Al pledged to resume regular service and launch rescue flights from nearby locations as soon as security and aviation authorities grant approval.
The airline said tickets for rescue flights will be available only through a dedicated link on its website and not through call centers, which are operating in emergency mode and handling only urgent cases.
Arkia also announced Sunday that all its flights through June 17 are canceled. The airline is working in coordination with Israeli aviation authorities and the military’s Home Front Command.
Passengers who booked flights by June 12 for travel between June 15 and June 30 are eligible for credit vouchers valid for two years. Those who purchased vacation packages will receive vouchers for the flight portion. Hotel-related charges may still apply unless waived by the hotel.
Israir said Saturday night that it had canceled all flights to and from Israel, including service to the southern city of Eilat, through June 16. Passengers who booked by June 13 for flights scheduled through June 30 may cancel and receive credit for future travel. Bookings for flights scheduled to depart through June 16 are closed.
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Due to the security situation, Israir’s phone support is limited. Assistance is available via WhatsApp between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time.
Air Haifa also suspended all flights to and from Israel through June 16. The airline said affected customers will receive automatic refunds within 10 business days and do not need to contact the company. Future flights will resume when airspace restrictions are lifted.
Israel’s airspace has been closed to civilian air traffic following recent escalations with Iran and continued threats in the region. Authorities have not yet indicated when normal operations might resume.