“With God’s help, we will bring all Israelis home safely and in peace,” the transportation minister said.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel’s first rescue flights began landing Thursday morning after the country’s airspace was closed for six days amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The first El Al flight touched down at Ben Gurion Airport at 6:05 a.m., arriving from Athens and signaling the start of a large-scale airlift expected to bring thousands of Israelis home in the coming days.
The arrival marked the first stage of a coordinated effort to reopen Israel’s skies following nearly a week of closures triggered by sustained Iranian missile attacks.
During the morning hours, air raid sirens sounded in central Israel as a missile was launched from Iran. At that moment, an El Al aircraft approaching Ben Gurion Airport from Tbilisi was forced to abort its landing and climb back to altitude until the threat passed.
By midday Thursday, two rescue flights had already landed in Israel, with additional arrivals scheduled throughout the day. Officials said 17 flights are expected to land at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, with plans to increase the number beginning Friday in order to accelerate the return of Israelis stranded abroad.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who is overseeing the operation, spoke with the pilot and passengers of one of the flights shortly after landing.
“With God’s help, we will bring all Israelis home safely and in peace,” she said.
The decision to reopen the airspace was approved Wednesday night after updated security assessments, prompting Israeli airlines to rapidly prepare aircraft and crews for the emergency repatriation effort.
Authorities also announced that outbound flights from Israel are expected to resume beginning Sunday, but under strict temporary restrictions.
Under the current framework, only 50 passengers will be allowed on each departing flight, no checked baggage will be permitted in the cargo hold, and passengers must complete early check-in and arrive at Ben Gurion Airport 90 minutes before departure. Entry to the terminal will be limited to ticketed passengers only, with accompanying visitors barred from entering.
Outbound flights will operate primarily on aircraft arriving in Israel as part of the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command announced that defensive restrictions across the country were eased Thursday at noon, with all regions moving from the most severe emergency level to a reduced alert status.
Under the updated guidelines, gatherings of up to 50 people are now permitted provided a protected shelter can be reached during an alert. Workplaces may resume activity if employees have access to a proper protected space.
Schools, however, remain closed for the time being.
The new civil defense guidelines are scheduled to remain in effect until Saturday at 8 p.m., pending further security assessments.
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