After military operations involving both Israel and Iran escalated rapidly, Israel extended the closure of their national airspace over Ben Gurion International Airport and surrounding flight zones until further notice as part of heightened emergency protocols. The decision has left airlines and travelers in limbo, as global carriers continue to reroute and cancel flights as the situation becomes untenable.
As reported on June 13, Israel initiated “Operation Rising Lion”, an offensive to target Iranian nuclear and military installations. Iran immediately responded with over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones striking in multiple waves – according to sources including AAPnews, The Guardian, Times UK and Timeout UK (https://apnews.com, theguardian.com + 8 >>, Times.co.uk +8)
At the height of these exchanges, Israel’s Ministry of Transport took action and shut down all airspace. Subsequently, the Israel Airport Authority stated that flights would only resume six hours post any decision to reopen, contingent on security assessments (sources: aljazeera.com +12; timesofisrael +12 and CBSnews +12 for example).Auswirkungen on Airlines and Passengers.
The closure has taken an enormous toll: over 350 jobs have been lost as a result.
Ben Gurion Airport remains closed and all civilian flights have been grounded since its closure; all media sources reported this. * For further coverage, visit TimesofIsrael.com +6 or CBSnews +6; theTimes.co.uk +6 and Medialine +9. * To stay up-to-date, follow these websites: * TimesofIsrael.com * CBSNews + 6 * TimesofIsrael + 9 (via TimesofIsrael), ** CBSnews.com,** Times of Israel + 9, and Wikipedia (+ 9).
Israir, Arkia and El Al have cancelled flights and relocated their fleets to safer locations; for details visit wsj.com +5 for Israir + Arkia = El Al and +5 for El Al
International airlines including United, Delta, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, Turkish Airlines and others have suspended or rerouted operations between Israel and other destinations until at least mid-July (The Guardian +13; Al Jazeera +13 and Wall Street Journal both report).
Passengers face chaos: stranded travelers, disrupted itineraries, and extended layovers at alternate hubs. Additionally, regional airspace restrictions that impact east-west routes also increase ticket costs as airlines incur overheads and detour delays; many flights across Europe, Asia and North America have been affected.
Israeli Airspace Turmoil
Israel isn’t alone – airspace closures have spread throughout the Middle East, from Iran and Iraq through Jordan and Syria due to security fears (Sources for this include Wikipedia.org and CnTraveler) (Wsj).com will also offer updates.)
Jordan has since reopened, providing some relief to flights rerouted there; however, Israel remains closed down.
Cyprus and Greece have become temporary waypoints for diverted flights heading toward Europe, while Cyprus remains open and warns travelers to be wary in terms of proximity to conflict zones (cntraveler.com +2; thetimes.co.uk; wsj;).
Safety Measures and Civilian Readiness
In response to increased threats, Israel is currently in a state of emergency; schools, workplaces and public venues have been closed while people are encouraged to shelter close by – measures which represent an expansion in emergency readiness directly linked to airspace closure.
Families awaiting their return remain uncertain of when or if it will happen, although Transportation Ministry and civil aviation authority officials have coordinated on plans to bring back Israelis and tourists, once it’s safe. timesofisrael.com
Outlook: When Could Reopening Occur? Authorities have provided no set timetable for reopening, beyond a six-hour notice protocol. Analysts predict that airspace restrictions could remain as long as missile and drone threats continue, Israel remains on daily alert, and Iran prepares to launch further military actions. Despite calls for restraint by global leaders, military engagements show no sign of ceasing.
What Travelers Can Do
Check your airline: Use official apps or websites of airlines for flight updates and rerouting info.
Avoid traveling to Israel unless absolutely necessary: Many governments maintain strong advisories against it.
Prepare for delays and higher costs: Expect extended layovers, alternate routes and ticket rebookings as possible scenarios.
Monitor official advisories: Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Transport will issue real-time updates.
Israel’s ongoing airspace closure reflects persistent security threats. Without an apparent endpoint in sight, airlines and passengers face continuing travel disruptions. Civilian life remains disrupted as skies remain grounded until stability returns – leaving uncertainty for all involved parties involved.