Israeli Airlines Evacuate Entire Airplane Fleets from Tel Aviv as Fears of Major Iranian Retaliation Mount
- In an unprecedented move, Israel's two largest airlines have moved all of their airplanes out of the country as fears mount of an Iranian counterstrike on Israel.
Israel’s two largest airlines, El Al and Arkia, have evacuated their fleet of airplanes out of the country as fears grow that Iran is plotting a massive retaliatory attack on Israel that would overwhelm its sophisticated air defense system.
El Al Israel Airlines and Arkia Airlines flew their entire fleets of planes out of Israel on Friday morning as an emergency precaution, leaving Tel Aviv Ben Gurion deserted – an unprecedented move despite Israel’s recent history.
The two carriers were two of only a handful of airlines still operating flights from Israel. The fact that they have now abandoned the country raises fears over how foreign nationals will be evacuated amidst Iran’s allegation that Israel had made a ‘declaration of war’ against it.
In a statement, El Al said: “Following recent security developments and in accordance with the instructions from the state’s security and aviation authorities to close Israeli airspace, all EL AL and Sundor flights are suspended for the time being.”
“For customers currently abroad, we recommend arranging accommodation until there is a change in security directives. Flights that were en route to Israel have been diverted to land at various EL AL destinations,” the statement continued.
El Al said cancellations were expected until Sunday, June 16 at the earliest, and warned that bookings had been closed on all flights up to June 30.
A spokesperson said the airline was “working in full coordination with governmental security authorities and prioritizing the safety and security of passengers and crew.”
Arkia said it was moving its fleet based on emergency contingency plans that had been drawn up in the last few days.
As well as planes belonging to El Al and Arkia, it appears that Israel’s version of Air Force One – a Boeing 767, which is known as the ‘Wings of Zion’ has been evacuated to Athens.
Data supplied by Flight Radar 24 showed that the aircraft (registration: 4X-ISR) departed Tel Aviv on Friday morning and has now landed in the Greek capital.
What does this mean for US aircrew who were in Israel?
As Israel started its attack on Iran on Thursday night, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines diverted two planes flying from Tel Aviv back to the US. Both carriers had pilots and flight attendants in Tel Aviv on layovers at the time.
United Airlines says it managed to evacuate 26 crew members who were in Israel on one of the last El Al flights out of Israel before the country shut down its airspace.
Delta is yet to respond to a request for comment.
What is the US State Department advising Americans?
On Friday, the US Embassy in Jeruselum issued a security alert advising embassy staff and their families to shelter in place until further notice due to the “current security situation.”
The embassy warned American citizens in Israel: “The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness – including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.”
The State Department has told American citizens to ‘reconsider travel’ to Israel but has not completely advised against it.
Are other airlines affected by the developments in the Middle East?
Other than Delta and United Airlines, the majority of international carriers that served Israel had not resumed flights to Tel Aviv following a ballistic missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on May 4.
However, many carriers are being forced to quickly alter flight plans to avoid Iranian, Jordanian and Iraqi airspace due to the risk of missiles and drones in these airspaces.
Emirates says it has canceled flights to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran until Sunday at the earliest. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has canceled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria.
