Early Wednesday morning, the first flight under Operation Safe Return touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, marking the beginning of Israel’s effort to bring home citizens stranded abroad following the outbreak of war. The El Al aircraft, which departed from Larnaca, Cyprus, carried Israeli passengers who had been unable to return before international flights were suspended.
The repatriation effort is being led by the Ministry of Transportation in coordination with the Airports Authority. Officials emphasized that the operation is being carried out in phases, based on ongoing assessments of the security situation.
In preparation for the flight’s arrival, the Airports Authority increased staffing at Ben Gurion to ensure a swift and secure process. Returning passengers underwent expedited entry and baggage procedures before being transported either to their private vehicles in nearby parking areas or to major city centers via reinforced public transportation.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev, along with Ministry Director General Moshe Ben-Zaken and Transportation Services Authority head Sharon Kedmi, personally welcomed the first group of returnees.
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— מירי רגב (@regev_miri) June 18, 2025
Ahead of landing, Minister Regev spoke with the flight’s captain, Nechama, saying: “We are waiting for you. We are very excited to receive the first rescue flight as part of the ‘Safe Return’ program. We are preparing for the full-scale airlift to bring everyone home safely.”
Nineteen additional flights are expected to arrive throughout the day. Due to the security situation, the Airports Authority is asking the public not to come to the airport to greet returning passengers or to send taxis for pickup. Instead, shuttle services from the terminal to nearby parking areas will be increased, and both bus and train routes from the airport to city centers will be reinforced.
“This step is intended to reduce time spent at the airport and to ensure the safety and welfare of the public,” the Airports Authority said in a statement.
