Hundreds of Israelis Stranded in Jordan Days Before Passover

Arkia announced it would stop all its flight activity from Aqaba and instead shift operations to Taba in Egypt or cancel flights altogether.

By United with Israel Staff

Hundreds of Israelis were left stranded in Aqaba on Sunday after Israeli airline Arkia announced it was halting its flight operations from Jordan following an unexpected policy change by Jordanian authorities.

According to the airline, Jordan suddenly changed its aviation policy overnight and began refusing approval for some flights operated using European-leased aircraft, preventing Arkia from operating part of its planned flight schedule.

As a result, several flights, including routes to Bangkok and Athens, were disrupted, leaving many passengers stuck in Aqaba without clear information on how they would reach their destinations.

Arkia later announced it would stop all of its flight activity from Aqaba and instead shift operations to Taba in Egypt or cancel flights altogether.

Many Israeli passengers who had traveled long distances through land crossings in order to fly abroad were forced to return home or attempt to reroute through Egypt. Some passengers had already crossed the border, paid exit fees, and arrived at the airport in Aqaba before learning their flights had been canceled.

The disruption comes as many Israelis continue to travel abroad despite the war and ongoing security situation, particularly with Passover only days away. With restrictions and disruptions affecting flights from Ben Gurion Airport, many travelers have been using land crossings at Taba in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan in order to catch international flights.

At the same time, international flight options to and from Israel remain limited. Air Canada, which operated the only direct route between Israel and Toronto, recently suspended its flights until September.

US airlines have also significantly reduced service, with Delta canceling flights until at least September, United canceling flights for several months, and American Airlines suspending flights as well. European carriers have also extended cancellations, including the Lufthansa Group and low-cost carrier Wizz Air, further limiting travel options.

With Passover approaching and travel demand rising, the situation has created growing frustration among Israeli travelers, many of whom are now facing canceled flights, long travel routes, higher costs, and uncertainty about whether they will reach their destinations.