El Al Restarts Limited Flights as Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Partially Reopens

TEL AVIV — El Al (LY) has resumed a limited schedule as Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) reopens following several days of disruption caused by the Gulf and Middle East airspace crisis.

Israeli authorities describe the restart as an “extremely limited” reopening of TLV and national airspace. Capacity will expand gradually, subject to security conditions and regulatory approval.

Details of limited operations

El Al’s initial flying is focused on recovery and repatriation, bringing stranded passengers back to Israel and rebuilding connectivity route by route as conditions allow.

Reuters reported that El Al paused ticket sales until March 21 to prioritize reaccommodating customers affected by cancellations. Other Israeli carriers have also reduced sales and prepared rescue services.

Travelers booked on El Al should check directly with the airline for updated departure times and schedule changes, as adjustments may occur frequently during the restart.

A very cautious restart

Tel Aviv's limited reopening follows the United Arab Emirates opening what it calls “safe air corridors,” according to Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, in coordination with neighboring Gulf countries.

The move allows UAE carriers Emirates (EK), Etihad Airways (EY), and flydubai (FZ) to operate higher capacity schedules amid the ongoing conflict in the region. However, details surrounding the plan aren’t exactly clear.