Just in: Israel Considers Immediate Airspace Shutdown Ahead of Pesach
Just days before Pesach, senior professional officials at Ben Gurion Airport are recommending an immediate closure of Israeli airspace, as missile launches from Iran continue for a 23rd consecutive day.
A high-stakes meeting is scheduled for this evening, bringing together top aviation and security officials, including Civil Aviation Authority head Shmuel Zakai and Airports Authority Director General Sharon Kadmi. The discussion is expected to focus on a proposal to fully shut down the airport, limiting activity to essential flights only.
The recommendation comes despite pressure from commercial airlines, which are seeking to expand flight operations to various destinations. Currently, around 10,000 passengers pass through the airport each day, but officials warn that the security situation may require a transition from limited operations to a complete airspace shutdown.
Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged Transport Minister Miri Regev to declare a state of emergency in aviation. Such a declaration would ease airlines’ financial obligations toward stranded passengers, limiting compensation requirements and removing the obligation to provide alternative flights—requiring only refunds for canceled tickets.
