El Al rescue flight lands at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, June 18, 2025. Photo by Yossi Aloni/Flash90

Thousands of Israelis begin returning home on special flights after airport shutdown prompted by military strike on Iran.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

Israel began repatriating thousands of its citizens stranded overseas on Wednesday, launching a large-scale airlift operation reported the Jewish News Syndicate.

The large-scale mission was undertaken after Ben-Gurion International Airport was closed in the aftermath of the preemptive strike on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

The first of the so-called “Safe Return” flights, operated by national airline El Al, landed outside Tel Aviv early Wednesday morning, carrying passengers from nearby Larnaca, Cyprus.

In total, four Israeli airlines—El Al, Arkia, Israir, and the newly established Air Haifa—are coordinating the rescue operation, running multiple daily flights from select European cities.

The airlift comes after last week’s Israeli strike on Iranian targets prompted Israel to close its airspace due to the risk of ballistic missile fire and led to cascading flight cancellations throughout the region.

Ben Gurion Airport was shuttered to outgoing flights, leaving an estimated 150,000 Israelis stuck overseas.

According to Israeli officials, the repatriation flights are operating from cities like Larnaca, Athens, Paris, Rome, Milan, Budapest, and London.

All tickets are reserved for passengers whose original return flights were canceled, and seats sold out quickly.

“We are very emotional about receiving the first rescue flight as part of the ‘Safe Return’ operation,” said Transportation Minister Miri Regev in a message to the El Al flight crew before landing.

From the airport’s control tower, she added, “We are waiting for all of you.”

Regev, who spearheaded the operation, had earlier drawn public ire after suggesting that stranded Israelis “enjoy their time abroad.”

On Wednesday, she adopted a more serious tone as she oversaw the initial arrivals.

Upon landing, returnees were quickly processed through customs and baggage claim before being transported to long-term parking lots, trains, or free shuttles to major cities.

Due to heightened security concerns, the public was asked not to come to the airport to greet relatives.

With Israeli airspace remaining closed to outbound commercial flights through at least Monday, tourists inside the country are now facing their own challenge.

About 38,000 foreign visitors are believed to be stuck in Israel, most with limited options for departure, reported Reuters.

The Tourism Ministry launched an online registration portal on Tuesday to coordinate exit flights once they resume.

Some tourists have already exited the country by land to Jordan and Egypt, despite official warnings.

Meanwhile, other countries are scrambling to evacuate their own nationals from the region.

China bused its citizens from Tehran to Turkmenistan, while hundreds of foreign nationals have crossed from Iran into Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Israeli aviation officials warned that the full repatriation effort could take weeks.

Last Updated: June 18, 2025, 23:59 IST

Israel-Iran War News Updates: As the Iran-Israel conflict enters day six, Iran has sought dialogue with Washington and Tel Aviv. Iran has sent a messages via Arab intermediaries that it seeks talks with the US and Israel. Iran had earlier blamed the US for its unwavering support to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to carry out deadly attacks on it.

The recent escalation of tensions between both the sides have pushed the Middle East on the brink of an all-out war.

The two adversaries have long been engaged in a shadow war involving covert actions and proxy forces. Since October 2023, Israel has been fighting multiple Iran-aligned groups in the region, including Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Triggering threats of escalation, the IDF struck the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), operated by IRIB, abruptly halting its live broadcast on Monday. Stay tuned for more updates!

Jun 18, 2025 06:57 PM Explosions heard in Karaj city, west of Tehran, Iran’s media reports

Jun 18, 2025 06:50 PM Israeli PM Netanyahu convenes emergency security cabinet meeting tonight Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called an emergency meeting of his security cabinet tonight in Jerusalem, according to reports by The Times of Israel, citing a cabinet minister’s office. The high-level meeting comes amid heightened regional tensions and is scheduled to take place at 12:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time). The agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed, but it is expected to focus on security developments and Israel’s strategic response to the evolving situation in the region.

Jun 18, 2025 06:49 PM #WATCH | Delhi: On EAM Dr S Jaishankar’s recent conversation with Iranian FM and India’s role in the Israel-Iran conflict, Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission in India, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, says “After starting these military attacks, they had a conversation and Iran expected… pic.twitter.com/yYobWvEixh — ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2025

Jun 18, 2025 06:49 PM Iranian diplomat hopes India will condemn Israeli strikes Iran expects friendly nations like India to condemn Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory, said Mohammad Javad Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in India. Speaking to the media, Hosseini shared details of a recent conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart. He stated, “No country can justify attacking another without credible evidence of a threat. Israel had no such evidence, yet it attacked Iran. This act is a clear violation of international law.”

He added that while Dr. Jaishankar did discuss the matter, Iran is looking forward to a stronger public stance from India. “We expect friendly countries like India to condemn such actions,” Hosseini emphasized.

The comments come amid rising tensions in West Asia following Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure—a move that has drawn criticism from several quarters for potentially destabilizing the region.

Jun 18, 2025 06:48 PM Israeli strikes reported again in Tehran; explosions followed by smoke Fresh reports of Israeli attacks have emerged from Tehran, the capital of Iran. According to Iranian media, multiple explosions were heard in the eastern parts of the city, followed by plumes of smoke rising from the affected areas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have also confirmed the strikes. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF stated that its Air Force is continuing targeted strikes on Iranian government military installations in Tehran.

Jun 18, 2025 06:46 PM First video of students returning to India from Iran via Armenia #WATCH | 90 students from Kashmir Valley are set to arrive in New Delhi tonight from Armenia, amid the evacuation operation facilitated by the Government of India in view of the Israel-Iran conflict.

(Visuals from Zvartnots International Airport in Armenia; Source: Jammu and… pic.twitter.com/1H7WuZg5ra — ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2025

Jun 18, 2025 06:44 PM Israel attacking military targets in Tehran

Jun 18, 2025 05:59 PM Explosions heard in different areas of east Tehran, reports Iran’s Nournews

Jun 18, 2025 05:57 PM Government employees in Tehran to work from home till June 23

Jun 18, 2025 05:22 PM “The US President threatens us. With his absurd rhetoric, he demands that the Iranian people surrender to him. They should make threats against those who are afraid of being threatened. The Iranian nation isn’t frightened by such threats,” Khamenei slams Trump for demanding Iran’s surrender

Jun 18, 2025 04:54 PM Israeli military strikes 25 jets, 40 missile infrastructure targets, including ‘Emad’ launcher

Jun 18, 2025 04:52 PM Warns US against military action, says ‘any intervention will bring irreparable damage’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning to the United States, cautioning against any military intervention amid rising regional tensions. Responding to recent remarks by the US President, Khamenei called them “threatening and ridiculous,” and said, “Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never use the language of threats with this nation.” “The Iranian people will not surrender,” he declared. “And the Americans should understand that any military intervention by the US will undoubtedly lead to irreparable damage.”

Jun 18, 2025 04:50 PM Iran’s Khamenei vows retaliation against Israel, says nation will not forget ‘martyrs’ In a nationally televised address, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a stern warning to Israel, vowing retribution for recent attacks. “Israel has committed a grave mistake and will undoubtedly be punished,” Khamenei declared, as reported by Mehr News Agency. He said the Iranian people would never forget the blood of the “martyrs” or the assault on their territory. “The Iranian nation will stand resolute against any imposed war, just as it will against an imposed peace,” he said. “This nation will not surrender in the face of pressure or coercion.” The address comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel following a series of deadly strikes and counterstrikes across the region.

Jun 18, 2025 04:46 PM First evacuation flight of Indian nationals from Iran is likely to arrive in India around 2am tonight. The flight from Yerevan is expected to land from Armenia at 2am.

Jun 18, 2025 04:05 PM Israel’s missiles can last just 10-12 days: Report Despite claiming major successes against Iran’s military infrastructure, Israel is facing a critical shortage of long-range missile interceptors, according to The Wall Street Journal. Citing US intelligence sources, the report warns that Israel’s air defences — particularly the Arrow system — may only hold for 10 to 12 more days if Iran maintains its current pace of attacks. Since the launch of Operation Rising Lion last Friday, Iran has fired around 400 ballistic missiles. While Israel has intercepted most using its layered defence system — including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and U.S.-supplied Patriots — the cost and pace are unsustainable. One interceptor from the Arrow system costs $3 million, with nightly defence operations estimated at up to $285 million. Amid mounting pressure, Iranian missiles have already struck near the IDF HQ in Tel Aviv, a Haifa oil refinery, and a northern intelligence base. Israel has confirmed 24 deaths and over 600 injuries so far.

Jun 18, 2025 03:50 PM “We have delivered significant blows to the Iranian regime, and as such, they have been pushed back into central Iran. They are now focusing their efforts on conducting missile fire from the area of Isfahan. We are aiming at military targets, they are attacking civilian homes.”… pic.twitter.com/ZtBRI7SS42 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 18, 2025

Jun 18, 2025 03:49 PM Israeli military claims major strikes against Iran, says regime pushed back The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that recent operations have dealt significant blows to the Iranian regime, forcing it to retreat further inland. In an official briefing, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated, “We have delivered major blows to the Iranian regime, pushing them back into central Iran. Their current operations are being launched from the Isfahan region, primarily involving missile fire.” Defrin emphasised the contrast in targets, saying, “We are focusing on military sites, while they continue to target civilian homes.”

Jun 18, 2025 03:22 PM Global oil market stable despite Middle East tensions: Russia Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that the global oil market remains stable, despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He said there are currently no supply shortages resulting from the conflict. When asked whether oil prices could spike to $100 per barrel amid rising hostilities between Israel and Iran, Novak—Russia’s chief delegate to the OPEC alliance—responded that such a development would depend on how the market reacts to emerging risks and uncertainties.

Jun 18, 2025 03:21 PM Turkey condemns Israel, backs Iran’s right to self-defense Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of surpassing Adolf Hitler in committing acts of genocide. Erdogan described Iran’s retaliation against Israeli actions as “natural, legitimate, and lawful,” expressing full support for Tehran’s right to self-defense. The Turkish leader also condemned Israel for launching military strikes shortly before the anticipated conclusion of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. He asserted that Turkey has implemented all necessary measures to protect itself from any potential fallout stemming from escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

Jun 18, 2025 03:09 PM IAEA: Two centrifuge production sites in Iran damaged in Israeli strikes The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on X that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran—located in Karaj and Tehran—have been severely damaged due to Israeli airstrikes. According to the IAEA, a building at the Tehran site, which was used for the manufacturing and testing of advanced centrifuge rotors, has been destroyed. Additionally, two buildings at the Karaj facility, where components for centrifuge machines were produced, have also sustained significant damage.

Jun 18, 2025 03:07 PM

Jun 18, 2025 03:03 PM How much military power do Iran and Israel have?

Jun 18, 2025 02:59 PM Iran-Israel Conflict: Updates So Far June 13 Israel launched “Operation Rising Lightning”, attacking Iran with 200 fighter jets

In the Israeli operation, 14 Iranian scientists and over 20 military commanders were killed

Iran retaliated with “True Promise 3”, firing a number of of missiles June 14 Iran targeted the Israeli Defense Ministry

Iran claimed it shot down three Israeli F-35 fighter jets

Nuclear talks between Iran and the US were cancelled June 15 Israel attacked three Iranian oil and gas facilities

Iran appealed to Muslim nations for unity

Israel targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry

Iranian attacks caused damage to a refinery centre in Haifa June 16 Iran launched its biggest attack on Israel: 8 killed, over 200 injured

Israel struck Iran’s Foreign Ministry

Iran claimed it shot down another Israeli F-35 jet June 17 Iran attacked the Mossad headquarters in Israel

Over 600 foreign nationals evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan

21 Muslim countries condemned the Israeli attacks

Jun 18, 2025 02:44 PM Russian diplomatic families evacuated from Israel

Jun 18, 2025 02:44 PM Iran launches over 400 missiles at Israel since Friday: Netanyahu’s office In response to Israeli airstrikes on Iran last Friday, Tehran has fired more than 400 missiles and deployed hundreds of drones targeting various locations across Israel, according to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The attacks have impacted 40 different sites, prompting nearly 19,000 damage claims filed with the Israeli tax authority, as reported by CNN. The ongoing violence has resulted in 24 fatalities, over 800 injuries, and the evacuation of more than 3,800 residents within Israel. On the other side, Iranian officials report at least 224 deaths in Iran since the hostilities began.

Jun 18, 2025 02:43 PM Israeli military launches fresh strikes in Tehran

Jun 18, 2025 02:42 PM Japan to deploy military aircraft for evacuation of citizens from Iran, Israel

Jun 18, 2025 02:42 PM Iran warns of all-out war if US intervenes in conflict with Israel Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned that any American involvement in its confrontation with Israel could lead to a full-scale war. The ministry’s spokesperson made the statement during a live interview with Al Jazeera. The warning came a day after US President Donald Trump hinted at supporting Israel. Trump said, “We now control Iran’s airspace. We know exactly where the Supreme Leader is hiding. Reaching him would be very easy, but we won’t strike—at least not for now.”

Jun 18, 2025 02:02 PM Israel planned airstrikes on Iran as early as December 2024: NYT report According to a report by The New York Times, Israel began planning airstrikes on Iran in December 2024. The report states that during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House in February 2025, he presented a detailed briefing on Iran’s nuclear programme to US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Trump reportedly advised Netanyahu to take a middle path—neither directly participating in a military strike nor remaining completely uninvolved.

Jun 18, 2025 01:29 PM 800 Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran At least 800 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran since Israel launched military strikes against the country last week, Beijing said Wednesday.

Jun 18, 2025 01:27 PM Iran’s President Pezeshkian calls for public mobilisation After Israeli Strikes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has asked government officials to mobilise communities and encourage public participation in the national response to attacks by Israel.

Jun 18, 2025 01:26 PM Israel says it shoots down 7 more drones The Israeli military has claimed that it has intercepted seven more drones launched from Iran. It comes after Israel reported shooting down three other drones.

Jun 18, 2025 01:04 PM No signs of de-escalation between Israel, Iran Tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise with no indication of either side stepping back. On the sixth day of the escalating conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed, “We will show the Zionists no mercy,” while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz responded, “A storm is passing over Tehran. This is how dictatorships collapse.” Israel has defended its recent airstrikes by claiming they were aimed at stopping Iran’s suspected push toward developing a nuclear weapon. The strikes, Israeli officials said, came after months of stalled diplomatic talks with the United States. US President Donald Trump, now leading the response, said the military action followed a 60-day deadline set for Iran to resume meaningful negotiations. Iran, however, insists that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful. While it is enriching uranium up to 60% purity—just below weapons-grade—US intelligence agencies currently assess that Iran is not actively building a nuclear bomb.

Jun 18, 2025 01:01 PM UAE waives overstay fines for Iranians stranded amid regional crisis The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced it will waive overstay fines for Iranian citizens impacted by airspace closures caused by the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. According to the state news agency WAM, the exemption applies to all types of visas and is intended to support Iranian nationals who have been unable to leave due to suspended flights and restricted borders. Authorities stated the decision was made in light of the “exceptional circumstances” currently affecting the region.

Jun 18, 2025 12:58 PM US edging closer to military action against Iran? There are reports that the United States may be edging closer to military action against Iran. US President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Tuesday, though no official summary of the call has been released. Still, the conversation likely centered on escalating tensions in the region. Earlier that day, Trump spent over an hour in the White House Situation Room in meetings with top cabinet officials, senior generals, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly discussing potential next steps. Current indicators suggest that diplomatic avenues and discussions of a potential deal are no longer being pursued. Instead, momentum appears to be building toward military intervention. It remains unclear whether this would be a solo US initiative or a joint operation with Israel. Trump’s recent posts on Truth Social have further fueled speculation. In them, he called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and notably used the pronoun “we” when referring to air dominance over Iranian skies — a shift from previous statements that attributed such control solely to Israel. This language hints at a deepening collaboration between Washington and Tel Aviv. In a striking message directed at Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump wrote, “We know where you are, but we’re not going to kill you — at least for now,” reinforcing the perception that military action could be imminent.

Jun 18, 2025 12:48 PM Despite rising hostilities with Israel, all of Iran’s land border crossings remain open, an Iranian official confirmed. Javad Hedayati, head of Iran’s transit bureau, told Tasnim news agency that border points are operating normally for both passengers and freight. However, he noted that the movement of people and goods into the country has slowed due to security concerns. Foreign nationals, including Pakistani, Chinese, and South Korean citizens, have begun evacuating via land routes as air travel has been suspended. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its military strikes on Iranian territory.

Jun 18, 2025 12:48 PM Iran keeps land borders open amid escalating tensions

Jun 18, 2025 12:41 PM Israel’s air defence systems explained| Key Points Iron Dome System Purpose: Designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. Radar Function: Detects incoming projectiles, calculates speed, direction, and potential threat level. Control Centre Role: Assesses whether the projectile threatens populated areas. Interception Process: If deemed dangerous, launches interceptor missiles to neutralize the threat. Launcher Capacity: Each unit holds 20 interceptor missiles. Deployment: 10 Iron Dome batteries are deployed across Israel. David’s Sling System Purpose: Intercepts medium- to long-range missiles. Range: Capable of targeting threats from 40 km (25 miles) to 300 km (186 miles). Arrow System Purpose: Designed for high-altitude, long-range ballistic missile defense. Range: Can intercept missiles up to 2,400 km (1,491 miles) away. Effectiveness Israel’s multi-tiered air defense has intercepted many Iranian missiles.

Jun 18, 2025 12:37 PM First batch of Indian students being evacuated from Iran will come to India via Armenia later today, says Nasir Khuehami, National Convener, Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association

Jun 18, 2025 12:29 PM Crude oil prices jump more than 4 percent amid fears the US may join Israel’s offensive against Iran.

Jun 18, 2025 12:27 PM Several buildings reduced to rubble after air Strike in Bnei Brak, Israel

Jun 18, 2025 12:24 PM Iranian women mourn the loss of their relative in Israeli strikes

Jun 18, 2025 12:20 PM Israeli strikes kill 585 across Iran, says rights group At least 585 persons have been killed and 1,326 injured across Iran in recent Israeli strikes, according to the Washington-based Human Rights Activists group. The organisation, which gained recognition for documenting the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, reported that the dead include 239 civilians and 126 security personnel. The group says it relies on a verified network of sources within Iran to collect and confirm data. Despite the growing toll, the Iranian government has downplayed the scale of the damage. The last official figures were released on Monday, citing 224 deaths and 1,277 injuries. Tehran has not updated the count since, raising concerns about transparency amid escalating conflict. The discrepancy between official and independent numbers continues to draw international attention as tensions between Iran and Israel intensify.

Jun 18, 2025 12:18 PM Iran uses Fateh missile for first time against Israel, claims air superiority For the first time, Iran has used its Fateh missile in a strike against Israel, according to reports published in Iranian media. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Wednesday morning that it successfully launched the Fateh missile, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The IRGC claimed that Iran now holds dominance over Israeli airspace. According to Tasnim News Agency, the Fateh missile penetrated Israel’s air defense systems and repeatedly struck high-value and supposedly secure military sites. In an official statement, the IRGC described the strike as a direct message to Israel and its allies, showcasing Iran’s military strength. The statement further asserted that Israel has been completely unable to defend itself against these latest attacks.

Jun 18, 2025 12:14 PM Israel facing shortage of arrow interceptor missiles: Report According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Israel is experiencing a shortage of arrow interceptor missiles—key components of its defense system designed to neutralise long-range ballistic missiles, such as those launched from Iran. The report, citing a US official, states that Washington has been aware of this issue for several months. In response, the United States is now bolstering its military presence on land, at sea, and in the air to support Israel’s defense capabilities.

Jun 18, 2025 12:13 PM Iranian police intercept 14 drones Iranian police forces have intercepted 14 drones and uncovered several workshops involved in producing hostile drones, along with vehicles used to transport them, police spokesperson Saeed Montazerolmahdi announced on Wednesday. The operations took place across multiple provinces, according to a report by the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA).

Jun 18, 2025 12:12 PM Israel begins airlift to bring home stranded citizens following Iran strike

Iran-Israel War LIVE UPDATES | In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei late Tuesday night declared open war against Israel through a post on social media platform X, stating, “War begins. We will respond strongly to the terrorist Zionist regime. There will be no mercy.”

Shortly after Khamenei’s statement, Iran launched 25 missiles targeting Israeli territory, marking a sharp transition from five days of violent skirmishes to what now appears to be an officially declared war. Military analysts and international media outlets have begun referring to this as a full-scale conflict, with growing fears that the United States could soon become directly involved.

Following his return from Canada, US President Donald Trump convened a high-level meeting with the national security team at the White House. According to sources familiar with the developments, the US has decided to increase its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional fighter jets to the region as a precautionary measure.

Casualty numbers remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging from official and independent sources. A Washington-based human rights organisation claimed on Wednesday that at least 585 people have been killed in Iran since the onset of the conflict, with another 1,326 injured. However, the Iranian government has been slow in updating the death toll. The most recent official figures, released on Monday, acknowledged 224 Iranian fatalities and 1,277 injuries. No updated official count has been provided since then.

This marks one of the most significant escalations in Iran-Israel tensions in recent years. The situation remains volatile, with international observers warning that further military actions by either side could engulf the wider region, drawing in global powers and triggering a broader crisis in the Middle East.

Diplomatic channels are reportedly under strain, with the United Nations and several European nations urging immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue. However, with missiles in the air and rhetoric intensifying, the prospect of peace appears distant for now.

LIVE UPDATES

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– With inputs from agencies

Passengers from the Crown Iris, a cruise ship, board buses at the port of Larnaca, Cyprus, June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

Item 1 of 7 Passengers from the Crown Iris, a cruise ship, board buses at the port of Larnaca, Cyprus, June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou

Summary

Companies An estimated 50,000 Israelis stuck abroad by Iran war

Israeli airlines start an airlift to get people home

Israel says working on plan to help trapped tourists leave

TEL AVIV/NICOSIA, June 18 (Reuters) – Israel on Wednesday launched a phased airlift operation to bring home its citizens, after the country’s military strike on Iran closed air space across the Middle East, leaving tens of thousands of Israelis stuck overseas.

The first rescue flight, operated by national carrier El Al (ELAL.TA) , opens new tab , touched down at Tel Aviv Airport early Wednesday morning, returning passengers from Larnaca, Cyprus.

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Worldwide, Israel’s transport ministry estimates that more than 50,000 Israelis, stranded after airlines halted flights to the country, are trying to come home.

Foreign citizens have also been fleeing Iran overland. China started evacuating its citizens from Tehran to Turkmenistan by overland bus on Tuesday. Hundreds of other foreign nationals fled to neighbouring Armenia and Azerbaijan

El Al has said repatriation flights are already scheduled from Athens, Rome, Milan, Paris, Budapest and London. Smaller carriers Arkia and Israir (ISRG.TA) , opens new tab are also taking part.

“We are very emotional about receiving the first rescue flight as part of ‘Safe Return’,” Transportation Minister Miri Regev told the captain of the arriving El Al flight.

While many Israelis want to come back, around 38,000 tourists are stranded in Israel, with much of the country in lockdown, and all the museums and holy sites closed.

The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem said on Wednesday it was organising evacuation flights and ship departures for U.S. citizens who wanted to leave, while the Tourism Ministry said it would start coordinating flights out for foreigners.

Around 1,500 Americans on a Jewish heritage programme were evacuated overnight to Cyprus via a cruise ship, which will now sail back with Israeli citizens aboard.

“We didn’t sleep for nights on end. We are all very exhausted and it’s a sigh of relief,” said Dorian, 20, from New York, after he had disembarked.

“In Israel, I was very afraid. I was never used to anything like that. Sirens, missiles, or anything like that. New York is pretty much very safe and this was new to me.”

Iran has fired more than 400 ballistic missiles at Israel since Friday, triggering air raid sirens and a rush to bunkers. At least 24 people, all civilians, have died so far in the strikes, according to Israeli authorities.

Iranian officials have reported at least 224 deaths, mostly civilians, though that toll has not been updated for days.

CYPRUS HUB

Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport has been closed to passenger traffic since Israel launched its pre-dawn attack on Friday and commercial aircraft are sitting out the war in foreign air fields.

The Airports Authority reinforced staffing on Wednesday to ensure arriving passengers left the airport quickly. Relatives were advised to avoid travelling to pick up family members for security reasons.

The airlift is being carried out in stages, based on risk levels and security assessments, a spokesperson for the Airports Authority said.

Large numbers of Israelis seeking to get home have converged on Cyprus , the European Union member state closest to Israel. Flights from the coastal city of Larnaca to Tel Aviv take 50 minutes.

Nine flights were expected to depart Cyprus on Wednesday for Haifa, and four for Tel Aviv, carrying about 1,000 people, sources at Cypriot airport operator Hermes said.

The carrier Arkia asked customers abroad to remain patient. “Tens of thousands of Israelis are still waiting to return home, and we are doing everything we can to bring them back quickly and safely,” it said in a statement.

Cruise operator Mano Maritime, whose “Crown Iris” ship carries 2,000 passengers, has said it will make two crossings from Cyprus to Israel’s Mediterranean port city of Haifa.

Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Kim Coghill, Alexandra Hudson

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Transport Minister Miri Regev has said that between 100,000 and 150,000 Israelis have been stranded abroad.

A first aircraft bringing home Israelis stranded abroad by flight cancellations resulting from the conflict with Iran touched down on Wednesday, with returnees expressing relief to be back on Israeli soil.

A statement from the airports authority said “the first flight of Operation Safe Return” landed at Ben Gurion Airport early Wednesday, with national carrier El Al bringing Israelis home from Larnaca in Cyprus.

Transport Minister Miri Regev said Tuesday that between 100,000 and 150,000 Israelis have been stranded abroad, as Israel and Iran traded deadly fire in their most intense confrontation ever.

Read moreTel Aviv residents take shelter as Iran missile barrages continue

Despite the nightly volleys of Iranian missile fire at Israel since Friday, hotelier Yaakov Bogen, 66, said he would rather be at home with family than abroad.

“I belong here, and unfortunately we get used to these fights and war, but we prefer to be here, to support as much as we can,” he told AFP in Tel Aviv after landing back in Israel.

Travellers with suitcases disembarked a bus in the coastal hub, after Israel’s airports authority urged the public not to order taxis or greet arriving passengers at Ben Gurion Airport due to “the current security situation”.

Stylist Tali Gehorsam, 40, expressed relief to be back after her flight was redirected to Cyprus half an hour before landing in the early hours of Friday.

Read moreWhat does Israel really want in Iran?

“This is home. There’s no other place,” she said. “To be overseas and to watch the news is not a nice feeling.”

After decades of enmity and a prolonged shadow war, the long-range blitz began Friday when Israel launched a massive bombing campaign that prompted Iran to respond with missiles and drones.

Since Friday, at least 24 people have been killed in Israel and hundreds wounded, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Ori Abadi, a 35-year-old Tel Aviv resident, said he had family in two areas of central Israel that have been hit by recent deadly missile strikes.

“I know that both of the apartments got damaged. It really hurts, it’s really worrying and I’m really glad to be with my family now,” he said.

Israel’s transport ministry said all of Israel’s commercial aircraft had been sent abroad to prevent damage during the air war with Iran.

After suspending flights last week, El Al said it was “preparing rescue flights” starting Wednesday with planes departing from Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Milan and Paris.

The low-cost Israeli airline Arkia also announced special flights this week to repatriate Israelis.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)