El Al and Arkia Prepare Rescue Flights for Stranded Israelis Amid Ongoing Crisis with Iran

In response to the ongoing security situation and following a government directive, El Al Airlines has announced the cancellation of its regular flight schedule — including that of its subsidiary Sun D’Or — through Monday, June 23, 2025. In its place, Israel’s national carrier is preparing to operate rescue flights from select international destinations to bring stranded citizens home.

This development comes in the wake of Israel's military strike on Iran, which occurred overnight between Thursday and Friday. The attack prompted an immediate closure of Israeli airspace, grounding all incoming and outgoing flights. As a result, over 100,000 Israelis have been left stranded abroad with no immediate way to return.

Rescue Flight Registration Opens

El Al announced it is now accepting registrations for rescue flights via a dedicated link on its website. The airline emphasized that registration is mandatory and must be completed online — not via call centers.

“The purpose of the registration is to map the location of our customers around the world and build a flight schedule accordingly,” the airline stated.

Flight prioritization will be based on original flight dates, with humanitarian cases and individuals with medical or government authorization receiving special consideration. Customers will receive a confirmation of registration within up to three hours, but El Al stressed this is not a flight booking confirmation. Placement details and further instructions will be sent separately, pending final security approvals.

Only flights into Israel are being planned, and the schedule will be constructed in coordination with security and aviation authorities. Customers who booked either directly with El Al or through travel agents are required to register.

Arkia Joins Effort

Arkia Airlines has also announced its intention to launch a rescue flight operation, currently in the planning phase. The airline is coordinating with Israeli security authorities and will begin operations immediately upon receiving approval.

Destinations being considered include:

• Athens

• Larnaca

• Rome

• Paris

• New York

Arkia confirmed that flights will also operate on Fridays and Saturdays, a rare exception enabled by the ongoing emergency and subject to government directives.

Tickets for Arkia's rescue flights will be sold exclusively through its website, with no sales via phone or agents. Customers holding vouchers from previously canceled flights will be able to redeem them when booking these special services.

Flight Sales Suspended Through June 21

In preparation for the return operation, Arkia has halted all flight sales through Saturday, June 21, to focus resources on logistical planning.

“We are preparing optimally for a large-scale return operation — until the security situation becomes clearer,” the company said in a statement.

Both El Al and Arkia have stated that updates will be continuously provided via their official websites and social media channels.