What's happening at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport?

At the time of publication* Tel Aviv's main international Airport, Ben Gurion, was still operating 'as usual' despite hundreds of cancelled flights from European and American Carriers.

Most of the flights coming in and out of Tel Aviv are operated by Israeli carriers El Al, Israir and Arkia in order to fly as many Israelis who are stuck abroad back home. These airlines have added new flights, which are also called "rescue flights." These flights are usually carried out when an empty plane takes off from Tel Aviv to a destination where many Israelis are stranded. Tickets for these flights are purchased separately regardless of whether the passenger has a ticket with another company or at a different time of the same Israeli airline.

According to Flight Radar 24 the delays in and out of Tel Aviv are on average just one hour however on closer inspection some flights have been delayed for up 5 hours. Airlines are being asked to carry additional fuel on board to allow for delays mid air.

Adding to the situation is the fact that some pilots are being called to service by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) which further impacts flight schedules and the availability of rescue flights.

As well as Israelis trying to get back home, thousands of tourists are also trying to get out so keeping the airport operational is vital. Most international carriers have suspended flights at least for the short term so tourists are encouraged to get in touch with their Embassy to figure out next steps from here.

*Time of publication, October 10th 2023 at 6:55am GMT+3 (Israel)