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Israeli airports and airspace closed, airlines evacuate planes to other countries

I'm sure most who are paying attention already have heard about events in the region over the past 24 hours, but this news will impact travelers specifically - and it's quite unprecedented - so I thought a mention was worthwhile:

Reuters: Israel's airlines evacuate planes to other countries after strikes on Iran

Following the events that took place yesterday, El Al, along with (I think) all other Israeli airlines, have not only canceled all flights, they have also flown all of their aircraft out of the country and parked them elsewhere (as Ukraine has recently demonstrated, large aircraft parked in the open on an airport make attractive targets). Flights which had been inbound for Israel (including those of US airlines United and Delta) turned around and returned back to their departure points.

Air travel to and from Israel has been halted (which is bound to have ripple effects elsewhere). Anyone there right now is effectively stranded. I'd expect there will be additional disruptions around the region, with airspace closures mounting, tensions rising, and a lot of speculation about what's going to happen next. If you or your loved ones have current or upcoming plans for travel in the region, be prepared for some disruptions (at a minimum) - as events there will continue to play out.

No politics, just a heads-up for travelers.

Posted by
9513 posts

Thanks for the heads up, David. I hope every is able to get through this disruption to where they need to be.

Posted by
2017 posts

I had a trip to Israel planned in 2020. Covid happened.

I rescheduled for 2021. Covid was still happening.

I rescheduled for fall 2023. October 7 happened.

I've given up on ever going to Israel.

Posted by
17395 posts

Aircraft headed to the Gulf States and other areas of the Middle East are also being redirected to stay out of the airspace over Israel and Iran and anywhere in between the two.

I'm still planning to re-visit sometime next year.