Following the declaration of a state of emergency and a comprehensive closure of Israeli airspace for takeoffs and landings by national security authorities, the Israeli airline El Al has announced the cancellation of all flights. This drastic measure, which disrupts the travel plans of thousands of passengers, is a direct response to the deteriorating security situation in the region.
El Al has immediately implemented goodwill policies for affected customers, allowing for cancellation of bookings and the conversion of tickets into credits for future use or a full refund. The airline urges travelers not to come to the airport and instead check the official website for updates.
The initial situation: state of emergency and airspace closure
The decision to close Israeli airspace and the associated declaration of a state of emergency are responses to a volatile security situation that makes flight operations in the region impossible. Such measures are taken by security authorities only in extreme emergencies when there is an immediate and significant threat to civil aviation. While the authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances of the current security situation that led to this comprehensive airspace closure, the severity of the response indicates a serious threat.
The national airline, El Al, is directly and massively affected by this situation. As the flagship of Israeli aviation, El Al plays a crucial role in connecting Israel to the world. The cancellation of all flights is an unprecedented measure that underscores the comprehensive nature of the airspace closure and the seriousness of the security concerns. For an airline whose operations have always been impacted by regional tensions, the declaration of a state of emergency and the associated closure of airspace is one of the greatest challenges.
El As goodwill arrangements: Flexibility for affected passengers
Given the unpredictable and difficult situation, El Al has immediately introduced extensive goodwill policies for its customers to minimize financial damage and travel inconvenience. These policies apply to bookings made up to and including June 13, 2025, and tickets for departures up to and including June 28, 2025.
For passengers planning to travel during this period, El Al offers two main options:
- Ticket conversion to credit: Customers have the option to cancel their flights and convert the value of their tickets into a credit for future use. This option offers travelers flexibility, allowing them to adjust their travel plans at a later date once the security situation has improved.
- Refund: For customers whose flights have been canceled due to the security situation, El Al offers the option of a full refund. This option is especially important for travelers who have to not only postpone but cancel their trip entirely.
El Al has also clarified that this policy will be updated on an ongoing basis as needed. This is crucial in a dynamic security environment, as the situation can change rapidly and the airline must be able to respond flexibly to new developments. These grace policies will be published transparently on the airline's website to keep customers fully informed.
Blocking new bookings and travel advice for passengers
In addition to canceling existing flights, El Al has also taken precautionary measures for future bookings. El Al flights scheduled for departure up to and including June 30, 2025, are currently blocked from new bookings in its booking systems. This measure is intended to control capacity and find solutions for Israeli citizens whose flights have been canceled and who may urgently need to return to Israel or leave the country once airspace reopens. The block to new bookings signals the uncertainty regarding the duration of the airspace closure and the priority the airline is giving to reserving capacity for stranded or urgently traveling Israelis.
El Al has also issued specific instructions to passengers planning to travel in the coming days:
- For passengers with scheduled flights on Saturday evening, June 15, 2025, or Sunday, June 16, 2025: These customers are strongly advised not to come to the airport for safety reasons and to avoid crowds in a potentially unsafe location. Instead, they should wait for updates regarding their flight status, which will be provided via the airline's official website.
- For customers currently abroad: They are advised to arrange their own accommodation until safety guidelines change and flight operations can resume. This instruction underscores that the airline is currently unable to offer return flights and travelers must arrange their own accommodation until a solution can be found.
These clear instructions are crucial to avoid chaos and unnecessary danger at the airport and to give travelers the opportunity to prepare for the longer wait time. The continuous updating of information on the El Al website is emphasized as a primary source of information.
Historical Context: The Security Situation and El Als Operational Strategy
Since its founding in 1948, El Al Israel Airlines has a unique history that is inextricably linked to the security situation in the region. Unlike many other airlines worldwide, El Al has always implemented special security measures that go far beyond industry standards. These include reinforced cockpit doors, the presence of onboard security officers (so-called sky marshals), and strict passenger screening. These measures have made El Al one of the safest airlines in the world, but have also repeatedly presented its operations with unique challenges.
Israeli airspace is regularly monitored by security authorities during times of heightened tension or military conflict and closed if necessary. This has happened in the past during military operations or in acute threat situations. Any airspace closure leads to massive restrictions on civilian air traffic and requires rapid and flexible responses from El Al and other airlines flying to Israel.
The impact of such closures is far-reaching. They affect not only passenger traffic but also cargo traffic, which is crucial to the Israeli economy. For the people of Israel, flights are often not just a means to an end, but also a vital connection to the Diaspora and the world. The cancellation of all El Al flights is therefore not only a logistical but also a national concern. In such situations, the Government of Israel works closely with airlines to facilitate the repatriation of citizens and maintain supplies to the country as soon as the situation permits. This may include the use of charter flights or coordination with foreign airlines.
Outlook: Uncertain duration and the importance of information channels
The duration of the airspace closure and the associated flight cancellations remains uncertain and depends entirely on the evolving security situation. In such situations, communication between security authorities and airlines, as well as between airlines and their passengers, is crucial.
El Al has recognized the need for a continuous and transparent information policy and advises passengers to check the airline's website regularly. This is the primary channel for official updates on flight operations and grace policies. Currently, travelers have no choice but to wait for developments and follow the instructions of the airline and authorities.
The impact of these flight cancellations is far-reaching: they disrupt business travel, vacation plans, and personal commitments. The entire Israeli tourism industry, which was just beginning to recover from previous setbacks, will also be severely affected by this situation. For El Al itself, the complete suspension of flight operations means significant revenue losses and operational challenges that will have to be addressed in the coming weeks. The resumption of flight operations will require careful planning, taking into account both safety aspects and the logistical challenges of aircraft positioning and crew scheduling. The world is watching these developments and hoping for an early easing of the situation, allowing for the resumption of regular air traffic to and from Israel.
and 