Israeli airlines add more rescue flights to shuttle stranded travelers, reservists

Tens of thousands of Israelis wait to return home, left stranded by the mass-cancellation of flights operated by foreign airlines, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on Saturday, when the terrorist organization launched a shock attack that killed more than 700 Israelis, and saw over 100 more kidnapped and brought back to Gaza.

In light of this, Israeli airlines are continuing their efforts to shuttle these stranded travelers, many of whom are reservists called up by the IDF, left without a way to report for duty.

El Al has announced the addition of two new rescue flights to depart on Tuesday: one bound for Frankfurt from Tel Aviv departing at 4:45am, and another from Frankfurt back to Tel Aviv departing at 9:30am.

Israir as well has announced a new regimen of daily rescue flights which will begin operation on Tuesday: five daily flights from Athens to Tel Aviv and back to Athens, and three daily flights from Larnaca to Tel Aviv and back to Larnaca.

Emergency flights from philanthropists and UJA

Jewish benefactors are coming together to provide support to Israeli soldiers serving in the ongoing conflict. With donations coming in, special flights have been organized to fly soldiers to Israel free of charge.

The initiative, spearheaded by philanthropists, has already seen two private full flights from New York on Monday. Additional flights are scheduled to take off from various locations in the coming days. Those interested in registering for these flights will be directed to a special interface after contacting the following email address: Dudy.salomon2023@gmail.com.

The Union of Jewish Federations of the USA (UJA) has collaborated with Israeli embassies in the United States and Latin America, financing a special flight from Lima to Israel for the benefit of Israeli citizens residing in Latin America who have been called up to serve in the reserves.

The special flight is scheduled to depart on Tuesday from Lima's airport at 20:00 Peruvian time. Those eligible to board this flight are encouraged to register by sending an email to the following address: Consul@lima.mfa.gov.il.

Israir manages logistical turbulence

Israir’s new scheduled flights were announced following a variety of logistical issues. According to a statement from the airport, some of the company’s flights were intended to be operated by aircraft and crews leased from other providers; but these crews are reportedly hesitant to remain in Israel between flights as planned.

“In light of Operation Swords of Iron and the fighting in Gaza, the company's production capacity has been damaged. This damage may be reflected in some of the Company's flights, which were planned to be carried out using leased aircraft that were leased for short periods. There is concern that some of these flights will be canceled, due to the fact that the foreign crews operating these flights have asked to leave Israel immediately,” Israir said in a statement.

The airline noted that some of its pilots have been recruited from reserve duty in order to join the IDF’s war efforts, resulting in the need to “operate on a smaller flight schedule than originally planned."

As well, Israir’s customer service call center is located in Sderot, which is one of the epicenters of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Its inoperation has presented an additional challenge for the airline as it tries to coordinate customers’ flights.

El Al continues to offer cancellations

As of the latest announcement Sunday night, El Al flights are remaining operational, “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces.”

In response to the current situation, El Al is offering the following options for passengers:

Passengers already traveling: Those who have started their journey and want to change their return flight until October 21, 2023, won't incur reservation change fees or fare differences in the same service class.

Passengers already traveling with return flights until October 21, 2023: They can postpone their flight to Israel without reservation change fees. However, fare differences may apply for flights departing after October 21, 2023.

Passengers who haven't started their travel: For those with departure dates on or before October 21, 2023, they can change or freeze their tickets without reservation change fees. Fare differences may apply for flights after October 21, 2023. Alternatively, they can receive a voucher at no additional cost.