(haipo) – After 6 days of uncertainty, Israelis are returning home. This morning (Wednesday, 18/6/25), the first flight of Israelis who were "stuck" abroad landed following the closure of Israeli skies to civilian flights, due to Operation "Am Kalavi." The feeling of joy and optimism is visible on the faces of the returnees.
The Airports Authority was informed verbally:
Wednesday, 18/6/25, at around 05:00 AM, the first flight landed at Ben Gurion Airport as part of Operation "Safe Return."
The operation, led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety together with the Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority, is intended to repatriate Israeli passengers who were forced to remain abroad due to flight cancellations. The operation is being managed in a phased manner and in accordance with the level of risks and the assessment of the security situation, while emphasizing the security of passengers, air crews and aircraft. Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, Director General of the Ministry of Transportation Moshe Ben-Zaken and Director General of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority Sharon Kedmi welcomed the arrivals.
Minister of Transportation, Miri Regev with the captain, Nechama ◄ Watch
The first El Al flight to land at Ben Gurion Airport this morning brought back passengers from Larnaca.
In accordance with the plan, the Airports Authority increased the number of employees at Ben Gurion Airport in order to evacuate passengers from the airport as quickly as possible. The passengers underwent an expedited procedure for entering Israel and collecting their luggage. At the end of the procedure, the passengers were transported to their vehicles in the Ben Gurion Airport parking lots and were also dispersed via shuttle to central stations throughout the country.
The first flight landed at Ben Gurion Airport this morning ◄ Watch
The Chariot of Israel was delivered to Lai Pa:
In light of the emergency situation, Israel Railways is preparing to assist in the absorption of passengers returning to Israel on rescue flights from abroad. As part of the preparations, the railway will make trains available to passengers from Ben Gurion Airport, despite the general reduction in train traffic.
Train travel for passengers on rescue flights will be free of charge.
Israel Railways welcomes those returning to Israel and is doing everything possible to facilitate their safe and comfortable return to their homes.
And who is included in the free rescue flights? Of course, regional council heads who went on vacation abroad at state expense, and we have to make sure that they also come back at state expense. It's easy to check who they are. Those whose voters were associated with the color green on the Minister of Transportation's traffic light.