Ben-Gurion Airport stays open amid Iran missile strikes as Israel moves to cut flights

Officials weigh limits on passenger numbers at Ben-Gurion Airport as emergency steps widen nationwide.

ByZIV REINSTEIN

JUNE 8, 2026 10:07

Updated: JUNE 8, 2026 10:29

Ben-Gurion Airport will stay open for the present, yet authorities plan to lower passenger totals and outbound flights after Iran renewed attacks, Israeli officials stated.

The IDF Home Front Command aims to cap passengers near 2,500, which would cut departing flights. The Transportation Ministry favors a higher limit of 5,000. The airport continues normal operations until new orders arrive.

Haifa Airport keeps regular schedule

Haifa Airport also runs without change. Reports from the site show Air Haifa still carries hundreds of Israeli travelers to Larnaca, Mykonos, Paphos, Athens, and further points.

Earlier El Al stated that passengers booked through June 13 can receive a free change or credit for a later trip.

Tourism ministry launches emergency center

The Tourism Ministry opened an emergency operations center after a review led by Director-General Michael Itzhakov. The center will coordinate hotel placements for residents whose homes suffer missile damage.

In shifting to emergency mode, Itzhakov directed staff, especially regional managers, to follow Home Front Command rules and prepare for tasks if local bodies seek help housing evacuees in hotels nationwide.

The ministry added that 27,165 tourists who arrived in the past 30 days remain in Israel. The airport stays active, yet officials continue to monitor security and may alter limits as events develop.