Israel begins airlift to evacuate stranded citizens

Israel Launches Airlift to Bring Home Stranded Citizens After Iran Strikes

Israel began flying home citizens stranded overseas on Wednesday, initiating a phased airlift operation after its surprise military strike on Iran left tens of thousands of Israelis unable to return. The first rescue flight, operated by national carrier El Al, landed at Ben Gurion Airport early Wednesday morning, bringing home passengers from Larnaca, Cyprus.

The Transport Ministry estimates that over 50,000 Israelis worldwide are still trying to return. El Al has scheduled additional repatriation flights from Athens, Rome, Milan, and Paris, while smaller airlines Arkia and Israir are also participating.

"We are preparing for the airlift to bring all Israelis home," Transportation Minister Miri Regev told the El Al flight captain prior to landing, according to the Israeli Aviation Authority. “We are very emotional about receiving the first rescue flight as part of 'Safe Return'. Land safely," she added.

Since Israel’s attack on Friday, Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport has been closed to regular passenger traffic. On Wednesday, the Airports Authority increased staffing to expedite processing for arriving passengers, who were quickly transferred to their parked vehicles or onward transportation via trains and buses across the country.

The airlift is proceeding in stages, determined by security assessments and risk levels, with the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft prioritized, an Airports Authority spokesperson said. Authorities have also advised relatives not to travel to airports for security reasons.

Since Friday, Iran has launched over 400 ballistic missiles at Israel, many targeting the Tel Aviv area, resulting in at least 24 fatalities.

Meanwhile, up to 40,000 foreign tourists remain stranded in Israel as outbound passenger flights are still suspended. El Al has cancelled all scheduled flights through June 23.

Thousands of Israelis have traveled to nearby Cyprus — just 50 minutes by air from Tel Aviv — in hopes of securing flights home. On Wednesday, nine flights were scheduled to depart Larnaca for Haifa and four for Tel Aviv, carrying about 1,000 passengers, according to Cypriot airport operator Hermes.

In addition to the airlift, cruise operator Mano Maritime announced that its Crown Iris ship, capable of carrying 2,000 passengers, will make two crossings from Cyprus to Haifa to assist in the evacuation. Earlier Wednesday, a cruise ship arrived in Cyprus with 1,500 Jewish heritage program participants who had departed Israel on Tuesday.