Israel has begun an organized effort to evacuate its citizens stranded abroad following the sudden escalation of the conflict with Iran. The operation, launched on Wednesday, involves a phased airlift initiated after Israel launched a surprise military strike on Iran, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Israelis being stuck in foreign countries.
The first rescue flight operated by Israel’s national carrier, El Al, touched down early Wednesday morning at Ben Gurion Airport, bringing home passengers from Larnaca, Cyprus. Overall, the Israeli transport ministry estimates that more than 50,000 individuals are trying to return to Israel from various parts of the world. Flights are already scheduled from major European cities such as Athens, Rome, Milan, and Paris, with smaller airlines like Arkia and Israir participating in the coordinated effort.
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Transportation Minister Miri Regev expressed her commitment to evacuating all Israelis, stating, “We are preparing for the airlift to bring all Israelis home.” She also emphasized the emotional significance of the operation as part of the government’s “Safe Return” initiative, welcoming the first flight's arrival.
Since Israel launched its military campaign on Friday, Tel Aviv’s airport has been closed to passenger traffic. To manage the influx of returning citizens, the Airports Authority has increased staffing to ensure passengers quickly exit the airport facilities. Those arriving are being transported via shuttle to their vehicles, trains, or buses heading to different parts of the country, all while the operation proceeds carefully based on security assessments to ensure safety.
The conflict has led to a significant toll, with Iran firing more than 400 ballistic missiles into Israel since the recent escalation, many targeting Tel Aviv. These strikes have resulted in at least 24 fatalities so far. Due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns, no new passenger flights are departing Israel at this time, and all scheduled flights through June 23 have been canceled.
Many Israelis have sought refuge in Cyprus, which remains the closest airport hub to Israel. Flights from Larnaca to Tel Aviv are scheduled to carry around 1,000 people on nine departures to Haifa and four to Tel Aviv, according to sources at the Cypriot airport operator Hermes.
Additionally, the cruise operator Mano Maritime plans to ferry around 2,000 passengers on two crossings from Cyprus to Haifa using its vessel, "Crown Iris." Earlier, a cruise ship arrived in Cyprus carrying 1,500 participants leaving Israel for a Jewish heritage program, further exemplifying how civilians are seeking safe routes out of the country amid the hostilities.
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