Israel flights resume as state of emergency is lifted

Commercial flights have resumed from Tel Aviv after Israel lifted a state of emergency and re-opened its airspace.

 

Ben Gurion, the country’s international gateway airport, confirmed that operations had re-started.

 

However, a website notice said: “We recommend checking the flight schedule on the Israel Airports Authority website and confirming your flight status with the airline.”

 

The airport timetable for today (Thursday) lists flights to London by El Al and to Luton by Israir but a delayed service by Cypriot carrier TUS Airways. 

 

The majority of departures to European points are by El Al and budget carrier Israir.

 

El Al has started increasing flights and adding frequencies from key destinations where Israelis are still waiting to return home.

 

“Starting next week, our flights will operate as scheduled, except for a few cancelled flights,” the airline said.

 

Flights to Luton remain cancelled into next week, according to the airline’s website.  

 

The resumption of flights follow a ceasefire between Isreal and Iran on Tuesday.

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its travel advice for Israel yesterday (Wednesday) to reflect the removal of the state of emergency and re-opening of airspace.

 

It confirmed that Ben Gurion and Haifa airport are restarting operations, adding: "Commercial flights continue to operate from airports in the region to various destinations, including the UK."

 

However, the FCDO warned: “The current situation has disrupted air links out of the country and may disrupt road links and border crossings. It may take time for airports to return to normal levels of operation and flight availability.

 

“This is a fast-moving and fragile situation with the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning.

 

“Any attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreign nationals.”

 

International land border crossings to Jordan and Egypt are open, the FCDO said, but warned: "Timings may change, or they may close, at no notice, including over the weekend."

 

The latest advisory noted that family members of staff at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate in Jerusalem have been temporarily withdrawn as a “precautionary measure”.

 

The Embassy and Consulate continues with essential work including services to British nationals, the FCDO added.

 

It continues to advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.