A FedEx Plane lands at Ben Gurion Airport in 2003 (Photo Source: @SpotterTlv/X -https://x.com/SpotterTlv/status/1629784786326679553/photo/1 - GPT Edit)
A FedEx Plane at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel (Source: @SpotterTlV/X)

After a grueling two-week shutdown of Israeli skies amid Iran’s missile onslaught, FedEx has triumphantly restored all import and export express services to and from Israel as of June 26, announcing to Israeli businesses and the world that trade lifelines are flowing once again.

“After a challenging two-week period during which Israeli airspace was closed, FedEx is pleased to announce that all import and export express services to and from Israel have fully resumed,” declared Miryam Tzur, managing director for ground operations in Israel, in a statement that signaled a critical step toward normalcy for Israel’s economy.


Iran’s Barrage Slams Israel’s Airspace, Freezing Trade

Israel’s decision to seal its skies on June 12 came after Iran launched a massive missile barrage, forcing the closure of Ben-Gurion Airport to all but emergency and military traffic. Cargo carriers found themselves entangled in layers of additional security restrictions, leading most to suspend or reroute shipments during a period that Israeli exporters now call “a logistical nightmare.”

The Transportation Ministry confirmed that Ben-Gurion began reopening in phases on June 24, but the economic damage had already taken its toll.


FedEx: The Lone Logistics Lifeline Amid Crisis

Amid this chaos, FedEx stood nearly alone, maintaining a reduced but lifesaving schedule throughout the closure.

“We were proud to be the first logistics provider to keep both import and export services running under strict restrictions,” Tzur emphasized, noting that ensuring the safety of team members while sustaining Israel’s trade routes remained the company’s unwavering priority.

While FedEx did not disclose shipment volumes during the blackout, the Tennessee-based logistics giant stated it had “leveraged its scale and expertise” to navigate rapidly shifting regulations and security challenges to continue serving Israel during one of its most uncertain periods.


Restoring the Economic Arteries

Operating daily Boeing 777 and 767 freighters into Ben-Gurion, FedEx has reinstated its next-day express service to critical U.S. and European hubs, ensuring that Israeli businesses can reengage with global markets without delay.

“We remain committed to delivering reliable, resilient service that keeps Israeli businesses connected and operating smoothly,” Tzur affirmed.


A $120 Million Loss for Israel’s Exporters

The Manufacturers Association of Israel revealed that the two-week freeze cost Israeli exporters an estimated $120 million in lost sales and mounting storage fees, underscoring just how vital air cargo services are to Israel’s economic resilience.

With FedEx fully operational and Delta, United, and other passenger airlines preparing to restore most Israel-bound flights by early July, a critical artery for Israel’s commerce has been reopened, providing relief for thousands of businesses seeking to stabilize operations in the wake of regional turbulence.


Bottom Line

FedEx’s rapid return to full operations represents more than a business update—it is a statement of resilience. As Israel defends itself and reopens its skies, the flow of goods and trade reaffirms the nation’s ability to endure, adapt, and emerge stronger, despite threats from those who wish to isolate it.

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