Key Takeaways
• Ben Gurion Airport closed June 13, 2025, after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites triggered regional conflict.
• Airspace closure affected flights over Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, grounding hundreds of flights and stranding travelers.
• By July 2025, about 45 airlines operated in Israel, down from 250 pre-conflict, raising prices and limiting flight options.
Travelers and airlines face major disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport as Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites spark a regional conflict, shutting down Israel’s main international gateway and sending shockwaves through the tourism industry. The closure, phased reopening, and ongoing security concerns have left thousands stranded, airlines scrambling, and the future of Middle East travel uncertain.
Ben Gurion Airport: Immediate Shutdown and Gradual Reopening
On June 13, 2025, Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s busiest and most important international airport, shut down all arrivals and departures. This drastic step followed Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, which raised fears of immediate retaliation and direct threats to aviation infrastructure. Israeli airlines quickly evacuated their fleets to foreign airports to keep planes safe, and Israel became isolated from international air travel for several days.
The closure did not just affect Israel. Airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria also closed, forcing hundreds of flights to reroute or cancel. Foreign airlines suspended their operations, and thousands of travelers found themselves stranded both inside and outside Israel. The airport’s closure marked one of the most severe disruptions to Middle East aviation in recent history.
A phased reopening began in late June. At first, only outbound flights could leave, and each plane was limited to 50 passengers. Flights operated only during daylight hours because of ongoing missile threats. These restrictions made it difficult for many people to leave or enter Israel, and the airport remained tense and heavily guarded.
By June 24, 2025, the Israel Airports Authority announced that Ben Gurion Airport would return to normal operations. All restrictions on flights, passenger numbers, and airport access were lifted. Duty-free shops and other airport services resumed, signaling a cautious return to regular activity. However, the memory of the closure and the threat of renewed conflict lingered.
Airline Service: Who’s Flying and Who’s Not
As of July 2025, most major international airlines have resumed or expanded service to Tel Aviv. Airlines such as Air France, Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Blue Bird, Hainan Airlines, TUS, and Azerbaijan Airlines are flying again. Air Europa and LOT Polish Airlines plan to restart flights on July 14, 2025, while Air Seychelles and Lufthansa Group are set to return on August 1, 2025.
However, not all airlines are back. Some major European carriers, including British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet, have extended their suspensions through at least October 25, 2025. KLM’s suspension remains indefinite, as the airline waits for changes in European aviation safety advisories. The number of airlines operating in Israel has dropped sharply—from 250 before the conflict to about 45 by mid-2025.
This reduction in airline service has made it harder for travelers to find flights and has driven up prices. Many people are still cautious about booking trips to Israel and the surrounding region, given the ongoing uncertainty.
Tourism: Collapse and Slow Recovery
The impact on tourism has been severe. Israel’s tourism industry was already struggling after the Gaza conflict that began in October 2023. Before the recent escalation, Israel welcomed nearly 5 million visitors each year. By 2024, that number had dropped to about 1 million.
The June 2025 conflict caused a further 60–70% drop in flight bookings to Israel and Lebanon. Hotel occupancy rates in popular destinations like Petra, Jordan, fell to just 10–15% after June 13. In March 2025, Israel saw a slight increase in tourist arrivals—about 100,700 people—but these were mostly solidarity delegations, Orthodox students, family visitors, and business travelers. Traditional tourists stayed away.
The global tourism industry has also felt the effects. There has been a 5–10% drop in worldwide tourism revenue because of the regional conflict, with a 25–30% decline in Middle East bookings. Many travelers have shifted their plans to safer European destinations.
Economic and Industry Effects
The Israeli government has tried to help the struggling tourism sector by providing emergency funds. Despite this support, many tourism businesses have closed, and thousands of workers have lost their jobs. Rising oil prices—up 7% to $74.23 per barrel—and higher airfares, which are now 10–15% more expensive, have made travel to the region even less attractive.
Experts believe it could take two to three years for Israel’s tourism sector to fully recover. This timeline depends on whether the region remains stable and whether international travelers regain confidence in visiting Israel.
Practical Implications for Travelers
Travelers using Ben Gurion Airport should expect ongoing challenges. Security checks are stricter than ever, and delays are common. It is important to monitor airline announcements and confirm flight status before heading to the airport. Some airlines are still operating with limited schedules, and last-minute cancellations can happen if the security situation changes.
Many countries, including the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia 🇦🇺, and India 🇮🇳, have issued travel warnings. Some advise against non-essential travel to Israel and neighboring countries. Travelers should check the latest advisories before making plans.
What Travelers Should Do:
- Arrive early at Ben Gurion Airport to allow time for extra security screening.
- Check flight status regularly, as schedules can change quickly.
- Be prepared for delays and possible cancellations.
- Follow official updates from the Israel Airports Authority and Ministry of Tourism.
- Have backup plans in case flights are canceled or rescheduled.
For those who were stranded during the closure, Israeli authorities and airlines organized special flights to help citizens and urgent cases return home. These efforts focused on getting people out of dangerous situations as quickly as possible.
For the latest information, travelers should visit the Israel Airports Authority website, which provides real-time updates on airport operations, security measures, and flight schedules.
Key Stakeholders: Who’s Involved?
The Israel Airports Authority led the effort to reopen Ben Gurion Airport and worked closely with airlines to restore service. The Authority has stressed the need for public vigilance and staying informed about real-time developments.
Israeli airlines, including El Al, Arkia, and Israir, played a central role during the crisis. They evacuated their fleets to keep planes safe and helped organize repatriation flights for stranded citizens.
Foreign airlines have made decisions about resuming or suspending flights based on security advisories and insurance coverage. Some, like Air France and Lufthansa, have publicly committed to restoring service as soon as conditions allow.
Tourism industry leaders, such as Yossi Fattal from the Incoming Tour Operators Association and Peleg Lewi from the Tourism Ministry, have spoken out about the sector’s dire situation. They have called for international support and efforts to rebuild Israel’s image as a safe destination.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The current crisis is the latest in a series of shocks to Israel’s tourism and aviation sectors. The October 2023 Hamas attack and the Gaza conflict caused visitor numbers and tourism revenue to drop by more than 80% in late 2023 and into 2024. The June 2025 escalation between Israel and Iran led to the most severe aviation disruption since the previous crisis, with airspace closures and mass evacuations of aircraft.
The region’s airspace remains sensitive. If hostilities resume or new threats emerge, further closures and disruptions are possible. This uncertainty makes it difficult for airlines, travelers, and tourism businesses to plan for the future.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Travel and Tourism?
In the short term, airline service at Ben Gurion Airport is expected to keep improving through July and August 2025. More carriers will likely return as security advisories are lifted and insurance coverage is restored. However, the number of flights and available seats may remain lower than before the conflict.
In the medium to long term, the recovery of Israel’s tourism sector depends on peace and stability in the region. Experts predict it could take two to three years for visitor numbers to return to pre-conflict levels. Success will also depend on international marketing campaigns and efforts to rebuild traveler confidence.
Ongoing risks remain. The situation is fluid, and travelers should stay alert for further disruptions linked to regional security developments. Airlines and tourism businesses must remain flexible and ready to respond to changes.
Quotes from Key Figures
Yossi Fattal, head of the Incoming Tour Operators Association, said, “The tourism industry is in crisis. We need international support and a strong campaign to restore Israel’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.”
Peleg Lewi from the Tourism Ministry added, “Recovery will take time. We are working with partners around the world to bring visitors back and support our tourism businesses.”
What This Means for Affected Communities
The closure and phased reopening of Ben Gurion Airport have had a huge impact on travelers, tourism workers, and local businesses. Thousands of people lost jobs or income as hotels, tour companies, and restaurants closed or cut back operations. Families were separated, and many travelers faced uncertainty and stress as they tried to change plans or find ways home.
The broader aviation industry in the Middle East has also suffered. Airlines lost revenue, and the sharp drop in flights affected airports and service providers across the region.
Solution-Oriented Steps for Recovery
To help the tourism and travel sectors recover, several steps are being taken:
- Government Support: The Israeli government has provided emergency funds to help tourism businesses survive the crisis.
- International Cooperation: Airlines, tourism boards, and governments are working together to restore safe travel routes and rebuild confidence.
- Marketing Campaigns: Efforts are underway to promote Israel as a safe and attractive destination once again.
- Flexible Booking Policies: Many airlines and hotels now offer flexible booking and cancellation policies to encourage travelers to make plans despite ongoing uncertainty.
- Improved Communication: Authorities are providing regular updates and clear information to help travelers make informed decisions.
Practical Guidance for Travelers and Businesses
If you plan to travel to or from Israel, or if you work in the tourism industry, here are some practical steps to take:
- Stay Informed: Check official websites like the Israel Airports Authority for the latest updates on airport operations and travel advisories.
- Monitor Airline Policies: Airlines may change schedules or cancel flights with little notice. Sign up for alerts and check your flight status regularly.
- Prepare for Delays: Arrive early at the airport and allow extra time for security checks.
- Consider Travel Insurance: Make sure your insurance covers changes or cancellations due to conflict or security issues.
- Support Local Businesses: If you are in Israel, support local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators to help the industry recover.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Caution
While Ben Gurion Airport has reopened and some normalcy is returning, the effects of the regional conflict and Israeli airstrikes continue to shape travel and tourism in the Middle East. The path to full recovery will be long and depends on peace, stability, and the willingness of travelers to return.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation at Ben Gurion Airport highlights the deep connections between security, travel, and economic well-being in the region. The airport’s closure and reopening serve as a reminder of how quickly things can change—and how important it is for travelers and businesses to stay prepared.
For the most current travel advisories, flight schedules, and tourism updates, consult the Israel Airports Authority and Ministry of Tourism websites, and monitor your airline’s official communications. By staying informed and flexible, travelers and businesses can better manage the challenges of travel during times of regional conflict.
Learn Today
Ben Gurion Airport → Israel’s busiest international airport and main gateway for global air travel to the country.
Israeli airstrikes → Military attacks by Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities during the June 2025 conflict.
Airspace closure → Temporary shutdown of air traffic over a region for security, disrupting flights and airline operations.
Phased reopening → Gradual resumption of airport operations with restrictions on flights, times, and passenger numbers for safety.
Travel warnings → Official government advisories warning travelers about safety risks in conflict zones like Israel and neighbors.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ben Gurion Airport’s June 2025 closure halted Middle East air travel amid conflict. Gradual reopening faces strict limits. Airlines resume cautiously. Tourism collapsed, with recovery expected over years, depending on regional stability and international confidence in safety and security measures at Israel’s main airport.
— By VisaVerge.com
