Starting Sunday, a gradual departure from Israel via international flights from Ben Gurion Airport will be allowed.
Outgoing flights will be operated by Israeli airlines, which are also conducting return flights bringing Israelis back to the country as part of the operation dubbed, "Safe Return - Wings of the Lion."
According to the plan, the number of passengers on each departing flight will be limited to about 70. Approximately 15% of the seats will be reserved for humanitarian and security cases, as well as tourists and diplomats currently in Israel.
Passengers wishing to leave the country are asked to contact Israeli airlines directly to check flight availability, register, and be assigned to a flight.
According to Home Front Command guidelines and the special operating framework for the airport:
- Passengers should arrive at Ben Gurion Airport about two hours before their flight (rather than the usual three hours).
- Checked luggage will not be allowed. Passengers may bring only carry-on trolley bags.
- Passengers must complete check-in in advance before arriving at the airport.
Israeli passengers leaving the country will be required to sign a commitment not to return to Israel for 30 days from the date of departure.
In humanitarian, security, tourism, or diplomatic cases, requests can be submitted to the inter-ministerial steering committee for exceptional cases.
In addition to the flights, it is also possible to leave Israel through land border crossings, which continue to operate normally subject to security approvals. The public is advised to follow airline announcements for the most up-to-date flight schedules.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev said, “After we launched the national operation to bring Israelis home, we are now continuing to act in a gradual and responsible manner to also allow departures from the country. Every step is being carried out in full coordination with the security authorities and the Home Front Command, while strictly ensuring the safety of passengers and crews. Our goal is to return aviation activity to normal as quickly as possible, while responsibly managing the airspace even during this challenging period."
Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken added, “The Transportation Ministry and the Airports Authority are working around the clock together with all security agencies and the airlines in order to manage air activity in a gradual and safe manner. Alongside the continued rescue flights bringing Israelis back to Israel, starting tomorrow we are also allowing controlled departures from the country, in accordance with the framework established in advance by Minister Regev and the guidelines of the Home Front Command."