Following Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran on June 13, 2025, and the subsequent ballistic missile retaliation by Iran, El Al Airlines has launched a dedicated registration portal for Israeli travelers stranded abroad. The move comes as Israel’s airspace remains closed to commercial passenger flights, with El Al temporarily relocating its entire passenger aircraft fleet to Cyprus until it is deemed safe to return.
The war has triggered a cascade of disruptions across the Israeli aviation industry. Iran’s response to Israel’s military action included indiscriminate missile strikes on Israeli civilian infrastructure, prompting the Israel Airports Authority to shut down Ben Gurion International Airport and ban all passenger flight operations nationwide. The shutdown has left tens of thousands of Israeli citizens abroad with no available flights home and no timeline for when service might resume.
As we reported earlier this week, major global carriers including United, Delta, Lufthansa, Emirates, and British Airways suspended all routes to and from Israel immediately following the attacks. El Al, which suspended its commercial schedule last week, is now preparing rescue and repatriation flights in coordination with Israeli authorities.
War Timeline and Impact on Air Travel
On the morning of June 13, the Israeli military launched a preemptive strike against Iranian nuclear and military assets in response to escalating threats. Within hours, Iran retaliated by firing dozens of ballistic missiles at targets across Israel, including urban population centers and critical civilian infrastructure.
The missile attacks, which damaged both residential areas and airport-adjacent systems, led to a full closure of Israeli airspace to civilian aircraft. Since then, no commercial passenger flights have been allowed to depart or land in Israel. Only military and emergency flights have operated, with all El Al passenger aircraft having been evacuated to Cyprus for safekeeping.
Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and the Israel Airports Authority has extended the suspension through at least June 23, with further extensions possible depending on the security situation.
El Al’s Rescue Flight Operation
In response to the crisis, El Al has established a centralized portal for passengers to register for upcoming rescue flights that will operate from select international cities.
Eligible travelers must complete the form here: El Al Rescue Flight Registration Form
This form is required for any Israeli abroad with a canceled El Al flight who is seeking to return home. The airline will use this data to:
- Identify clusters of stranded Israelis around the world
- Prioritize flight planning to high-demand locations
- Contact travelers with available seating when rescue flights are scheduled
These flights will not be part of El Al’s standard commercial schedule and will only operate once airspace restrictions are partially lifted or designated humanitarian corridors are approved.
Who Should Register
The registration portal is intended for:
- Israeli citizens or passport holders stranded abroad
- Travelers with previously booked and now canceled El Al or Sun d’Or flights
- Passengers who booked directly through El Al or via a travel agent
Travelers should not register if:
- They have an active, unaffected future flight
- They are trying to book a new trip to Israel
- They are requesting refunds, credits, or itinerary changes unrelated to this emergency effort
El Al notes that this is not a waitlist for future commercial travel. It is a one-time, data-driven rescue coordination tool.
What to Expect After Registering
Once submitted, the traveler’s details enter El Al’s operations database. The airline will:
- Analyze demand by geography and urgency
- Plan chartered rescue flights accordingly
- Email selected travelers with instructions and ticketing details
Confirmation of registration does not guarantee a flight. El Al will prioritize passengers based on:
- Original flight date (earliest canceled flights first)
- Verified humanitarian or medical emergencies
- Security sensitivity or urgent family situations
Only those selected will receive further communication. All updates will be sent via email, not phone or messaging apps.
Likely Departure Cities
While destinations have not been formally announced, El Al is expected to operate rescue flights from major international hubs such as:
- New York City
- London
- Paris
- Toronto
- Johannesburg
- Bangkok
- Los Angeles
Flights will be one-way to Israel, with no connecting legs or stopovers. Locations may vary based on international clearances, demand, and aircraft availability.
What Passengers Should Know
- No rescue flights will depart until Israeli authorities clear specific aircraft to return from Cyprus
- Travelers may receive as little as 24–48 hours notice to board
- These flights will be offered at no additional cost to affected El Al ticket holders
- Email is the sole channel of communication—travelers must monitor their inboxes regularly
This marks one of the most significant air evacuations in El Al’s modern history and evokes comparisons to past operations such as Operation Solomon, although under very different security and logistical conditions.
