Operation Rising Lion grounded Israel — now the skies are reopening, cautiously and chaotically.

After two tense and turbulent weeks under the shadow of Iranian threats and aerial combat, Israel’s skies are finally reopening. In a dramatic announcement Tuesday evening, the Israel Airports Authority declared a full reversal of wartime flight restrictions at Ben Gurion, Haifa, and Ramon airports. The temporary noose that choked off international travel to and from the Jewish state has been loosened — but not without turbulence ahead.

The Lockdown is Over—But Chaos Lingers

Gone are the strict limits on the number of flights, passengers, and even the wartime ban on travelers being accompanied to the airport. The previous 30-day reentry restriction has been cancelled outright, granting Israelis the freedom to return home whenever they choose. But freedom doesn’t mean ease.

Airline websites are overloaded, ticket prices are skyrocketing, and flight availability remains razor-thin. With demand exploding and supply crawling, travelers face steep competition for a seat out—or back—in.

Ben-Gurion Airport Back in Action—But Travel Woes Aren't Over ✈️

REPORT | @etgar_l ▸https://t.co/dMvl3ziAgV pic.twitter.com/XGeI2Yaxu2

— Jewish News Syndicate (@JNS_org) June 25, 2025

Israeli Airlines Take the Lead as Foreign Carriers Drag Their Feet

With international carriers still hesitant or unable to return, El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa have stepped up to carry the national burden. These Israeli airlines are running a mix of commercial and “rescue” flights, with new routes being added almost daily.

• El Al is expanding from its eight main rescue hubs—Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Paris, London, Bangkok, New York, and Los Angeles—to new cities including Budapest, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Milan, and more.

  EL AL Will Also Operate Outbound Flights From Israel Without Passenger Limit, And Will Expand Its Flight Schedule To Additional Gateways In The Coming Days.
  
  Following the state's announcement to lift all restrictions on operations at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), including the… pic.twitter.com/T1KTx52Lhz

  — EL AL USA (@ELALUSA) June 24, 2025

• Israir will continue flights from Athens, Larnaca, Rome, and London, but has yet to confirm a full return to its summer schedule.

• Arkia promises a full summer reboot starting July 1, servicing Paris, New York, Amsterdam, Greek islands, and more. Tickets booked on Arkia’s current rescue flights will remain valid.

• Air Haifa is focusing on short-haul routes and promises to return to Athens and Haifa-Ramon routes by early July.

Foreign Airlines: A Staggered Return to the Skies

Foreign airlines remain cautious. Some have submitted return requests and await clearance; others have committed to specific dates. Here's what we know so far:

Ben Gurion Airport will operate 24/7, including night hours.
Haifa Airport will operate from 08:00 to 22:00. Ramon Airport will reopen.
Israeli airlines operating flights: ElAl, Israir, AirHaifa, Arkia.
Foreign airlines that have applied for return: FlyDubai, Etihad, BlueBird,…

— Dana Levi דנה🇮🇱🇺🇸 (@Danale) June 25, 2025

Prices Soar as Demand Outpaces Supply

With limited carriers, restricted seat counts, and pent-up demand, airfares are breaking the sound barrier. Flights that once cost $300 are now topping $1,200. Yet paradoxically, this spike in price may work in travelers’ favor—ensuring last-minute seats remain available for emergencies.

Travel Tips Amid the Reopening Frenzy

1. Do not cancel your flight unless absolutely necessary. Voluntary cancellations typically forfeit refunds or rebooking rights.

2. Wait for the airline to cancel, then request either a refund, future-use voucher, or rebooked flight.

3. Book hotels with flexible cancellation policies. If your lodging is non-refundable, reach out directly to request a change in arrival date.

4. Monitor airline communications closely. A flight ticket for July or August is likely still valid, unless otherwise notified.

   What is the first foreign airline to resume regular flights from Israel's Ben Gurion Airport after the conclusion of Operation #RisingLion?@flydubai
   
   The Abraham Accords have not only suvived another MidEast conflict,but only grows stronger.

   — Elie Pieprz (@epieprz) June 25, 2025

Transport Minister’s Warning: Don’t Expect a Full Recovery Overnight

Minister of Transport Miri Regev warned that most summer flights will still be carried out by Israeli airlines. Foreign carriers, she said, have already reassigned many of their planes to other global routes. Even those eager to return are doing so in stages. This means fewer seats, longer waits, and higher prices throughout the peak travel season.

“We are not yet back to full normalcy,” Regev stated. “But we are well on our way.”

In Summary

Israel’s skies are no longer silent—but they are crowded, expensive, and chaotic. The reopening of Ben Gurion and other airports marks a vital turning point in the aftermath of Operation Rising Lion. For now, Israeli airlines are the lifeline for a nation reconnecting with the world, while foreign carriers inch their way back into the picture.

Patience is the passport of the day, and flexibility is your boarding pass.