El Al Cancels All Flights Until June 17 Amid Rescue Efforts

Key Takeaways

• El Al cancels all flights until June 17, 2025, due to Israeli airspace closure amid Iran conflict.
• Thousands of travelers stranded abroad; rescue flights only via online registration on El Al’s website.
• Israeli airspace closure caused by missile and drone attacks between Israel and Iran.

El Al Cancels All Flights Amid Israeli Airspace Closure: What Stranded Israelis and Travelers Need to Know

El Al Israel Airlines has canceled all flights until June 17, 2025, and dozens more through June 23, 2025, after Israeli authorities closed Israeli airspace due to escalating conflict with Iran. This move leaves thousands of Israelis and other travelers stranded abroad, while El Al prepares a large-scale rescue operation to bring citizens home. Here’s what you need to know about the situation, how it affects travelers, and what steps you can take if you’re impacted.

Why Did El Al Cancel Flights?

The cancellations come after a sharp rise in military action between Israel 🇮🇱 and Iran. Following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, Iran responded with missile and drone attacks. In response, Israeli authorities closed the country’s airspace for both landings and takeoffs. This means no commercial flights can enter or leave Israel 🇮🇱 for now.

El Al, Israel’s national airline, announced it would cancel all regular flights through June 17, 2025. Dozens of additional flights to and from major cities—including Berlin, Tokyo, Moscow, and many others—are also canceled through June 23, 2025. The airline is now focusing on a rescue operation to help stranded Israelis return home as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Who Is Affected by the Cancellations?

Thousands of Israelis and other travelers are currently stranded abroad. Many had planned to return home or visit Israel 🇮🇱 during this period. The affected destinations include:

• Berlin
• Tbilisi
• Barcelona
• Batumi
• Warsaw
• Rhodes
• Munich
• Tivat
• Lisbon
• Tokyo
• Krakow
• Venice
• Thessaloniki
• Marseille
• Crete (Heraklion)
• Kefalonia
• Santorini
• Chisinau
• Belgrade
• Tirana
• Porto
• Mykonos
• Lefkada
• Moscow

Travelers in these cities and others are facing canceled or postponed plans, with no clear timeline for when regular flights will resume.

How Is El Al Responding?

El Al has shifted its focus from regular commercial flights to a rescue operation. The airline is preparing to use its planes to bring home Israelis who are stuck abroad. However, these rescue flights can only begin once Israeli airspace reopens and security authorities give the green light.

In a statement, El Al said it understands the “difficulty, uncertainty and stress experienced by El Al customers abroad who wish to return to Israel, as well as customers whose plans have been disrupted.” The airline promised to resume regular flights and start rescue flights as soon as possible.

What Should Stranded Passengers Do?

If you are affected by these cancellations, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Check El Al’s Official Website

Go to the El Al official website for the latest updates on flight status and rescue flight availability. The website will have the most current information about when flights may resume and how to book a seat on a rescue flight.

2. Register for Rescue Flights Online

If you need to return to Israel 🇮🇱, you must register for a rescue flight using a special link on the El Al website. You cannot register for these flights by calling the airline’s call center. Registration is only available online.

3. Monitor Communications

El Al will update its website and social media channels as soon as booking for rescue flights opens. These flights depend on approval from security and aviation authorities, so timing may change quickly.

4. Check-In Procedures

For future flights, online and mobile check-in are usually available 24 hours before departure. However, these services are currently suspended for all canceled flights. Wait for further instructions from El Al before trying to check in.

5. Stay Informed

Keep an eye on official announcements from El Al and Israeli authorities. The situation is changing quickly, and new information may become available at any time.

Why Is Israeli Airspace Closed?

The closure of Israeli airspace is a direct response to the recent military conflict with Iran. After Israeli strikes on Iranian sites, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Israel 🇮🇱. To protect civilians and prevent accidents, Israeli authorities decided to close the country’s airspace to all commercial flights.

This is not the first time Israel 🇮🇱 has closed its airspace during a conflict, but experts say the current situation is unusual because of the scale and duration of the closure. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the rapid shift from regular flights to a rescue operation shows El Al’s ability to adapt, but also highlights how quickly international travel can be disrupted during a crisis.

What Does This Mean for Travelers and the Tourism Industry?

For Passengers

Many travelers are frustrated and anxious. Some are stuck in foreign countries with no clear way home, while others have had vacations, business trips, or family visits canceled at the last minute. The uncertainty about when flights will resume adds to the stress.

For El Al

The airline faces major logistical challenges. It must coordinate with Israeli authorities to plan rescue flights, manage customer communications, and handle the financial impact of so many canceled flights. The summer travel season is usually a busy and profitable time, so these cancellations are expected to hurt El Al’s finances.

For the Israeli Tourism Sector

The broader tourism industry in Israel 🇮🇱 is also affected. Hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that rely on international visitors are seeing a drop in bookings and revenue. The longer the airspace remains closed, the greater the impact will be.

How Does the Rescue Operation Work?

El Al’s rescue operation is designed to bring home as many stranded Israelis as possible, as soon as it is safe. Here’s how the process works:

• Aircraft Allocation: El Al is diverting planes from regular routes to focus on rescue flights.
• Registration: Only those who register through the dedicated link on the El Al website will be able to book a seat. There is no phone registration.
• Approval Needed: Rescue flights can only operate once Israeli airspace is reopened and security authorities approve the flights.
• Communication: El Al will use its website and social media to announce when rescue flights are available and how to book.

What Are the Next Steps for Affected Travelers?

If you are stranded or have a canceled flight, here’s what you should do:

• Visit the El Al website regularly for updates and to register for a rescue flight.
• Prepare your travel documents so you are ready to fly as soon as a seat becomes available.
• Stay in touch with local Israeli embassies or consulates for additional support and information. You can find embassy contact details on the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
• Be patient and flexible. The situation is changing quickly, and flights may become available with little notice.

What Is the Outlook for the Coming Weeks?

Gradual Resumption of Flights

El Al plans to gradually restart regular flights as soon as Israeli airspace reopens and authorities say it is safe. Rescue flights will be the first priority, with regular commercial flights following as soon as possible.

Continued Uncertainty

Because the situation depends on security conditions, there is still a lot of uncertainty. More cancellations or changes to the schedule are possible if the conflict continues or worsens.

Advice for Travelers

Travelers should continue to monitor El Al’s official channels for the latest information. Do not rely on rumors or unofficial sources, as the situation can change quickly.

What Are the Broader Implications?

For International Travel

The closure of Israeli airspace and the large number of canceled flights show how quickly international travel can be disrupted by conflict. Other airlines and countries may also change their flight schedules or routes in response to security concerns.

For Immigration and Mobility

People who need to travel for work, family, or immigration reasons may face delays or complications. For example, those with expiring visas or urgent appointments may need to contact immigration authorities to explain their situation and request extensions or new appointments.

For Airlines and the Economy

The financial impact on El Al and the Israeli tourism sector could be significant, especially if the closure lasts for several weeks. Airlines may need government support or special arrangements to recover from the losses.

What Has El Al Said About the Situation?

El Al has been clear about its priorities: customer safety and the safe return of stranded Israelis. In its statement, the airline said:

“We are aware of the difficulty, uncertainty and stress experienced by El Al customers abroad who wish to return to Israel, as well as customers whose plans have been disrupted. We are committed to resuming regular flights and operating rescue flights as soon as security and aviation authorities permit.”

What Do Experts Say?

Aviation and security experts say the closure of Israeli airspace and the scale of the cancellations are unprecedented since the October 2023 conflict. The rapid shift to rescue operations shows El Al’s flexibility but also highlights how vulnerable international travel can be during regional crises.

Travel industry analysts expect the cancellations to have a major financial impact on El Al and the wider Israeli tourism sector, especially during the busy summer months.

What Should You Do If You Need Help?

• Check the El Al website for updates and rescue flight registration.
• Contact your local Israeli embassy or consulate for help if you are stranded.
• Keep your travel documents ready in case a flight becomes available.
• Stay informed by following official channels and not relying on rumors.

Summary Table: Key Details

Official Resources

• El Al Official Website: https://www.elal.com/ – For flight updates, rescue flight registration, and customer service.
• Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ConsularServices/Pages/Israeli-missions-abroad.aspx – For embassy and consulate contact information.
• Ben-Gurion Airport Address: Ben-Gurion Airport, 7015001, Israel.

Final Takeaways

• All El Al flights are canceled until June 17, 2025, with dozens more canceled through June 23, 2025.
• Israeli airspace is closed due to conflict with Iran, affecting all commercial flights.
• El Al is preparing a rescue operation to bring home stranded Israelis, with registration only available through the airline’s website.
• Travelers should monitor official channels for updates and be ready to act quickly when rescue flights become available.
• The situation remains uncertain, and further changes are possible depending on security developments.

For the most reliable and up-to-date information, always check the El Al official website and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and following official instructions is the best way to manage travel plans during this challenging time.

Learn Today

El Al → Israel’s national airline responsible for commercial and rescue flights in the current crisis.
Israeli airspace → The controlled sky area over Israel, currently closed to all commercial flights.
Rescue operation → Special flights organized to repatriate stranded Israelis during the airspace closure.
Missile attacks → Hostile launches from Iran towards Israel escalating the conflict and closing airspace.
Online registration → Mandatory digital sign-up process for booking seats on El Al’s rescue flights.

This Article in a Nutshell

El Al halted all flights until June 17, 2025, after Israeli airspace closed amid conflict with Iran. Thousands are stranded abroad, while El Al focuses on rescue flights. Travelers must register online and monitor official updates for rescues and flight resumptions in this unprecedented aviation disruption.
— By VisaVerge.com