Key Takeaways
• Israel launched Operation Safe Return to repatriate 100,000 to 150,000 citizens stranded abroad.
• Ben Gurion Airport closed since June 13, 2025; only special rescue flights allowed.
• Repatriation flights start June 18, 2025, led by El Al and Arkia airlines.
Israel Launches “Operation Safe Return” to Repatriate 150,000 Citizens Stranded Abroad
Israel 🇮🇱 has begun a massive repatriation effort called “Operation Safe Return” to bring home between 100,000 and 150,000 citizens who have been stranded overseas. This urgent operation follows the complete shutdown of Israeli airspace after a military strike on Iran and growing fears of retaliation. The first repatriation flights are scheduled to start on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with Israeli airlines El Al and Arkia leading the way. Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway, remains closed to all regular passenger flights, and only special rescue and repatriation flights are being allowed under strict security rules.
This article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and what stranded Israelis and their families need to know. It also looks at the challenges, the government’s response, and what might happen next.
Why Are So Many Israelis Stranded Abroad?
The crisis began on June 13, 2025, when Israel 🇮🇱 carried out a military strike on Iran’s Mashhad airport. This led to immediate fears that Iran might target Israeli airports in retaliation. As a result, Israel’s government quickly closed its airspace and shut down Ben Gurion Airport to all regular flights. This sudden move left tens of thousands of Israelis stuck in foreign countries, unable to return home.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this is one of the largest and most complicated repatriation efforts in Israel’s history. The scale is much bigger than previous operations during the COVID-19 pandemic or other regional crises.
What Is “Operation Safe Return”?
“Operation Safe Return” is the name given to Israel’s plan to bring home its stranded citizens. The operation is being managed by the Ministry of Transportation and the Defense Ministry. The main goals are:
- Bring home 100,000–150,000 Israelis stuck abroad
- Do it safely, without risking lives at Ben Gurion Airport
- Use both air and sea routes if needed
The first repatriation flights are set to begin on June 18, 2025. El Al and Arkia, Israel’s main airlines, are working closely with the government to make these flights happen. Private airlines and the Mano Maritime shipping company are also being used for air and sea evacuations.
Ben Gurion Airport: Only Open for Rescue Flights
Ben Gurion Airport is Israel’s main international airport. Since June 13, 2025, it has been closed to all regular passenger flights. Only special rescue and repatriation flights are allowed, and each flight must get special security approval. This means:
- No regular flights in or out of Israel
- Only approved repatriation flights can land
- Strict security checks for every flight
The government says this is necessary to prevent a possible attack on the airport, which could cause mass casualties. Miri Regev, Israel’s Minister of Transportation, explained, “We will not take the risk of allowing a plane to land and then, God forbid, facing an incident on the ground with more than 300 fatalities.”
Who Can Leave or Enter Israel Right Now?
The rules for leaving and entering Israel 🇮🇱 are very strict during this crisis:
- Israeli citizens cannot leave the country on regular outbound flights. The government has told airlines not to let Israelis board flights leaving Israel.
- Non-Israelis (tourists, diplomats, Birthright participants) are allowed to leave. However, they cannot enter Israel except on special repatriation flights.
- Only those on approved repatriation flights can enter Israel.
This policy has been criticized by some, including Benny Gantz from the National Unity Party, who says the blanket ban on outbound flights for Israelis is too harsh and does not consider urgent humanitarian cases.
How Are Repatriation Flights Being Organized?
The process for getting on a repatriation flight is tightly controlled. Here’s how it works for stranded Israelis:
- Register Online: Stranded citizens must register for repatriation flights using a special form on the El Al website. Phone requests are not accepted. Register for repatriation flights here.
- Wait for Confirmation: After registering, an email acknowledgment is sent within three hours. However, this does not guarantee a seat on a flight.
- Monitor Communications: The government and airlines will send further instructions about flight details once security and government approvals are given.
- Prepare for Delays: There may be delays in communication and flight scheduling. Stranded citizens are advised to secure temporary accommodation and keep receipts for possible reimbursement.
- Retain Receipts: All expenses related to accommodation and travel should be documented for potential compensation.
Important: Priority for flights is based on the original flight date and humanitarian need, not on the order of registration.
Where Are the First Flights Coming From?
The first repatriation flights are scheduled to begin on June 18, 2025. Arkia will operate flights from Greece, Cyprus, and Montenegro. All initial flights are already fully booked due to high demand. El Al is also preparing to launch flights as soon as possible, but all regular flights have been canceled until at least June 23, 2025.
What About Sea Evacuations?
Because airspace is closed and flights are limited, Israel 🇮🇱 is also using ships to bring people home. Mano Maritime, a private shipping company, has started operating ships from Larnaca, Cyprus. Other vessels are on standby, and if needed, the Israeli Navy may use landing craft to help with mass evacuations.
Zadok Reddker, head of the Shipping and Ports Authority, confirmed that maritime evacuation efforts are ready to expand if necessary.
What Should Stranded Israelis Do Now?
If you are an Israeli citizen stuck abroad, here’s what you need to do:
- Register online for a repatriation flight using the El Al website. Do not try to call, as phone requests are not accepted.
- Wait for an email confirmation (within three hours). Remember, this does not mean you have a seat yet.
- Check your email and the El Al website regularly for updates about your flight.
- Arrange temporary accommodation if you have to wait. Keep all receipts for possible reimbursement.
- Be patient and prepared for delays. The situation is changing quickly, and flights depend on security approvals.
What About Compensation and Support?
Passengers affected by the airspace closure may be eligible for compensation under Israel’s Tibi Law and consumer protection rules. The Finance Ministry is expected to announce more support for stranded citizens soon. If you have to pay for extra accommodation or travel, keep all receipts and documents. You may be able to get reimbursed later.
Why Is the Government Taking a Phased Approach?
The Israeli government is moving slowly and carefully to avoid putting large groups of people at risk. The main concern is the possibility of missile or drone attacks on Ben Gurion Airport. By limiting the number of flights and passengers, the government hopes to reduce the risk of a mass casualty event.
Miri Regev, the Minister of Transportation, has said that safety is the top priority. The government is working with airlines, shipping companies, and the military to make sure every step is as safe as possible.
Criticism and Humanitarian Concerns
Not everyone agrees with the government’s approach. Some politicians and families say the ban on outbound flights for Israelis is too strict and does not consider people with urgent needs, such as medical emergencies or family crises. Benny Gantz, a member of the War Cabinet, has called for more flexibility and for humanitarian cases to be given priority.
The Scale and Complexity of the Operation
Bringing home up to 150,000 people is a huge challenge. The operation involves:
- Coordinating with foreign airports and governments
- Working with private airlines and shipping companies
- Possibly using the Israeli Navy for mass evacuations
- Managing security risks at every step
El Al’s registration portal even crashed briefly due to the high number of people trying to sign up, but it is now working again.
What Happens Next?
The situation is still changing. Here’s what to expect in the coming days and weeks:
- Airspace closure will be reviewed regularly based on security updates. There is no set date for reopening.
- El Al has canceled all regular flights until at least June 23, 2025. More flights may be added as security allows.
- Arkia and other airlines are ready to expand flights if conditions improve.
- Maritime evacuations may increase if air travel remains limited.
- The Israeli Navy may get involved if civilian options are not enough.
- The Finance Ministry is expected to announce more support for stranded citizens soon.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you need help or want the latest updates, use these official resources:
- El Al Repatriation Registration: El Al’s official repatriation portal
- Ministry of Transportation: Official Ministry of Transportation website
- Arkia Airlines: Updates on Arkia’s official website
- Mano Maritime: Check Mano Maritime’s official channels for sea evacuation updates
Always rely on official government and airline communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Summary Table: Key Details of Israel’s Repatriation Operation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Name | Operation Safe Return |
| Number of Israelis Stranded | 100,000–150,000 |
| Airspace Closure | Since June 13, 2025 (indefinite) |
| First Repatriation Flights | June 18, 2025 (El Al, Arkia) |
| Maritime Evacuations | Mano Maritime ships from Cyprus; Navy on standby |
| Registration Process | Online via El Al website; confirmation ≠ seat guarantee |
| Prioritization | Based on original flight date, humanitarian/security need |
| Outbound Flights for Israelis | Not permitted (except for non-citizens, diplomats, tourists) |
| Compensation | Tibi Law applies; additional Finance Ministry support expected |
| Key Officials | Miri Regev (Transportation), Zadok Reddker (Shipping), Benny Gantz (critic) |
| Official Resources | El Al, Arkia, Ministry of Transportation websites |
What Does This Mean for Families and Employers?
For families, the uncertainty and waiting can be very stressful. Many are worried about loved ones stuck in foreign countries, especially if they are elderly, sick, or traveling with children. Employers in Israel 🇮🇱 may also be affected if workers are unable to return as planned.
The government is asking everyone to be patient and to follow official instructions. The phased approach is meant to keep everyone as safe as possible, but it does mean that some people will have to wait longer to get home.
Lessons from Past Repatriation Efforts
Israel 🇮🇱 has experience with smaller repatriation operations, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the current situation is much larger and more complicated. The need to balance security with humanitarian concerns makes this operation unique.
Practical Tips for Stranded Israelis
- Register as soon as possible using the official El Al website.
- Check your email and the airline’s website for updates.
- Keep all receipts and documents related to extra expenses.
- Stay in touch with family and friends to keep them updated.
- Be patient and prepared for delays. The situation is changing quickly.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates, visit the Ministry of Transportation’s official website. This site provides news, official statements, and links to airline registration portals.
Final Thoughts
Israel’s “Operation Safe Return” is a huge and complex effort to bring home citizens stranded abroad after the sudden closure of Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli airspace. The government is working with airlines, shipping companies, and the military to make this happen as safely as possible. While the process is slow and sometimes frustrating, the main goal is to protect lives and avoid new tragedies.
Stranded Israelis should follow official instructions, register for repatriation flights, and keep all documentation for possible compensation. Families and employers in Israel 🇮🇱 should stay informed and be ready for ongoing changes as the situation develops.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this operation is likely to set new standards for how countries handle large-scale repatriation during times of crisis. The coming days will be critical as Israel 🇮🇱 balances the urgent need to bring its people home with the need to keep everyone safe.
Learn Today
Operation Safe Return → Israel’s large-scale plan to repatriate citizens stuck abroad with air and sea evacuations.
Ben Gurion Airport → Israel’s main international airport currently closed to all regular flights for security.
Repatriation Flights → Special flights organized to bring citizens back during the airspace closure.
Tibi Law → Israeli legislation providing compensation for passengers affected by flight cancellations or delays.
Maritime Evacuations → Transporting stranded citizens by sea using private and military vessels when flights are limited.
This Article in a Nutshell
Israel began Operation Safe Return on June 18, 2025, to bring home 150,000 stranded citizens amid airspace closure. Flights and sea evacuations are coordinated with strict security, prioritizing safety while facing complex logistical and humanitarian challenges during this unprecedented repatriation effort.
— By VisaVerge.com
