El Al Adjusts Operations as Restrictions Tighten at Ben Gurion Airport

Israeli flag carrier El Al is adapting its flight schedule following latest restrictions imposed on operations at Ben Gurion Airport amid escalating regional tensions. The changes approach as Israel limits passenger traffic in response to the ongoing conflict with Iran and the threat of further attacks.

Passenger Limits and Flight Reductions

The Israeli Ministry of Transport announced on March 22, 2026, that the number of departing passengers per flight from Ben Gurion Airport will be reduced from 120 to 50. Although there are no restrictions on the number of arriving passengers, the overall number of takeoffs and landings at the airport will be limited to one per hour [AA].

El Al’s Response and Alternative Airports

El Al is “reviewing continued operations” at Ben Gurion Airport and has called on authorities to open Ramon Airport, located near the Red Sea city of Eilat, as an alternative [AA]. The airline has cancelled flights scheduled for next week to 28 destinations due to the restrictions [AA].

Arkia Airways Adapts to Restrictions

Arkia Airlines is too adjusting its operations, preparing to offer more flights from airports in Taba, Egypt, and Aqaba, Jordan. According to Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz, the airline will utilize foreign aircraft for these flights, as it did at the beginning of the conflict. Arkia will continue to operate minimal traffic from Ben Gurion Airport, including flights to Larnaca and Athens [AA]. Berlowitz stated that maintaining regular aviation activity under the current conditions would effectively close Israeli airspace.

Recent Attacks and Security Concerns

These changes follow an attack on Ben Gurion Airport by the Iranian army on March 22, 2026, reportedly using advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) known as “Arash-2” [AA]. Earlier, on March 5, 2026, an El Al rescue flight was forced to delay its landing and circle over the Mediterranean Sea due to incoming missile sirens [JPost]. On March 23, 2026, Ben Gurion is allowing only extremely limited passenger travel [Forward].

Impact on Travelers

The disruptions are exacerbating difficulties for travelers, particularly those hoping to join family for Passover. Thousands of passengers, including gap-year students, have been left with unusable tickets on El Al and other airlines [Forward]. A new partnership between the U.S. Embassy and El Al to operate nonstop flights to the United States, priced at $900 for economy and $2,000 for premium seats, has also been halted [Forward].