Today at 14:00, Ben Gurion Airport Reopens for Landings as Part of “Safe Return” Operation
Under the directive of Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Miri Regev, and following approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Airports Authority, in coordination with the defense system, Ben Gurion Airport reopens today (Saturday) for aircraft landings between 14:00 and 20:00, with the facility (BGY) resuming under tightened security. This is part of the ongoing “Safe Return” operation to bring Israelis back home.
According to the official announcement, flight scheduling will be coordinated with the airlines, and the return will be conducted in a measured and controlled manner, in accordance with security developments.
Miri Regev: “Bringing Israelis Back as Quickly as Possible”
Transport Minister Miri Regev stated:
“In accordance with security guidelines, we are working to return Israelis home as quickly as possible. Thanks to the close cooperation of the Airports Authority, CAA, Home Front Command, and the Air Force, the operation is proceeding successfully.”
Ben Gurion Airport CEO: “Planes May Have to Turn Back”
Sharon Kedmi, CEO of the Airports Authority, clarified:
“BGY is prepared to resume flights to Israel. The return will be gradual, with an emphasis on the safety of passengers, air crews, and aircraft, subject to coordination with the defense system.
We reiterate that depending on the situation and security developments, there may be instances where a departing plane will need to return to its country of origin.”
The operation continues based on ongoing situation assessments, and passengers are advised to follow airline updates and official guidelines.
What Travelers Should Know
Passengers with existing bookings are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport, as schedules may shift based on updated security assessments. Ground transportation and parking services are expected to operate as usual now that Ben Gurion Airport reopens for landings, though delays are possible during the initial hours of resumed operations. Travelers arriving from abroad should also allow extra time for processing, since staff are working through a backlog of flights that were rerouted or delayed during the closure.
Background on the Closure
Ben Gurion Airport had suspended landings amid rising security concerns, prompting authorities to redirect incoming flights abroad or hold them until conditions improved. The decision to resume landings follows consultations between the Ministry of Transport, the Israel Defense Forces, and aviation regulators, who determined that current conditions allow for a safe, gradual return to normal operations. Airlines are expected to update their schedules progressively over the coming days as Ben Gurion Airport ramps back up to full capacity.
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