(Hai Pa) – Following the acute security developments, and within the framework of Operation "Am Kalavi", the State of Israel continues to invest significant efforts in the return of thousands of Israeli citizens residing abroad, many of whom are cut off from family members, dealing with flight cancellations and a growing sense of uncertainty.
The Ministry of Transportation, in cooperation with Israeli airlines, has formulated an outline for limited air rescue activities, which will operate on a graduated scale and in accordance with security approvals.
Cancellation of the regular flight schedule – and preparation for rescue flights
El Al announced that the company's and its subsidiary Sun D'Or's scheduled flight schedule will be canceled until Monday, June 23, 2025 (inclusive). At the same time, the company is preparing to operate special rescue flights from various destinations around the world, in accordance with the outline approved by the state and in coordination with security and aviation authorities.
Registration for the rescue flights has opened on the El Al website, and is intended for El Al and Sun Dor customers whose flights to Israel have been canceled since the closure of airspace. According to the company's announcement, the purpose of the registration is to geographically map customers, in order to enable proper planning of departure destinations and schedules. The order of registration is not important, and priority will be determined according to the original flight date, with priority given to exceptional humanitarian, medical and security cases with the approval of relevant professional and state authorities.
How is registration done?
Registration is done through the company's website only, and not through the service centers. After filling out the form, an email will be sent confirming receipt of the application, but this is not confirmation of placement on the flight. Customers who receive placement will receive a notification by email or text message, including detailed instructions.
El Al emphasizes that there is no need to contact the service centers, which are open for urgent cases only. Registration link
60 people sign up in an hour and a half
The huge demand is clearly evident: within just an hour and a half of the moment the registration form opened on the El Al website, the number of people waiting exceeded the 60,000 mark. The company asks the public to be patient, and emphasizes that flight destinations and schedules will be determined according to operational capacity, subject to state approvals. A dedicated form for medical, humanitarian and security cases will be uploaded to the website soon.
Arkia also joins the effort: rescue flights from nearby destinations
Arkia also issued a special update following the situation, noting that it is working to prepare a schedule of rescue flights from several destinations: Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Paris and New York. The company is in constant contact with security officials, and the rescue flights will be operated as soon as appropriate permits are received, including on weekends.
Flight sales will open only through the Arkia website, with passengers who have vouchers from canceled flights being able to redeem them to book a seat on the rescue flights. As part of comprehensive operational preparedness, Arkia has closed sales of all departing flights until Saturday, June 21 (inclusive), in order to focus on organizing the return operation.
Bluebird Airways updates that in preparation for the operation of rescue flights from Larnaca, it will operate two special flights:
A flight from Barcelona to Larnaca will take off on June 19 at 6:16 PM, at a flat price of $00 per passenger.
A flight from Rome to Larnaca will take off on June 19 at 6:16 PM, at a flat price of $00 per passenger.
Flights are available for sale on the Bluebird website. At the address.
A call for patience – and hope for the return of the kidnapped
Both companies, El Al and Arkia, reiterated their solidarity with the customers' plight, along with support for the security forces and medical personnel.