The first rescue flights returning Israelis home landed at Ben Gurion Airport after the country's airspace
By Sammy,
The first rescue flights returning Israelis home landed at Ben Gurion Airport after the country's airspace had been closed for five days. An El Al plane from Athens arrived first, followed shortly by an Israir flight from Rome, with additional Arkia and Air Haifa flights expected later today.
The flights are part of a special rescue plan allowing up to two narrow-body aircraft per hour, with the option to switch to either two narrow-body or one wide-body plane depending on security approval. Airlines plan to continue operating flights over the weekend based on passenger demand.
El Al announced it will not fly on Shabbat. "El Al does not fly on Shabbat," the airline said, adding that it has requested the rescue slots be scheduled before and after Shabbat to maintain a continuous air bridge using its full fleet.
Reported by Sammy for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.