In brief
As tensions reach new heights between Israel and Iran, El Al, Israel's national airline, steps up to repatriate travelers stranded in Europe due to a closed airspace.
El Al announced it has secured government permission to operate recovery flights from major cities—including Athens, Rome, and Paris—starting Wednesday. The conflict with Iran has left approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis stranded abroad since airspace restrictions were imposed due to escalating hostilities.The airline's flights were already filled with passengers, prioritizing urgent medical needs and the earliest canceled bookings. Regular flights from Israel are canceled until at least the following Monday, while the National Security Council warns against land returns through neighboring Jordan and Egypt due to security concerns.Adding another option, Mano Maritime will ferry stranded Israelis back from Cyprus via cruise ship, with the first trip scheduled for Thursday. This maritime route can transport up to 2,000 passengers, with a 16-hour journey duration. Some travelers are considering staying abroad longer, as casualties continue to rise in both Iran and Israel, with significant death tolls reported.
