Headlines
More than 20,000 israelis return since start of iran war, ministry says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Since the Iran‑Israel conflict began on February 28, some 20,000 Israelis have been safely repatriated, while approximately 120,000 more stranded abroad are seeking to return; the operation, involving sea, land, and limited hourly incoming flights to Ben Gurion, is expected to span 7–10 days.
More than 20,000 Israelis return since start of Iran war, ministry says
Israelis Returning Amid Iran Conflict: Transportation Ministry Reports
(Makes clear that the transportation ministry is the source in paragraph 6)
By Steven Scheer
Overview of the Situation
JERUSALEM, March 5 (Reuters) - More than 20,000 Israelis have returned to the country since the start of the Iran air war that began on Saturday, the Transportation Ministry said on Thursday, adding that about 120,000 more Israelis currently abroad are seeking to come home.
Reopening of Airspace
Israel began to open its airspace on Thursday and allowed a handful of flights to land at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
Israel's airspace was closed on Saturday at the start of the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have triggered missile barrages from Iran against Israel, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded abroad.
Repatriation Efforts
The ministry said its data show 120,000 Israelis are currently abroad who wish to return to Israel and that the operation to repatriate them would likely take seven to 10 days.
Statistics on Israelis Abroad
Israel's Population and Immigration Authority said nearly 300,000 Israelis have flown abroad in the last three months and airlines have said tens of thousands of customers seek to return.
Expanding Travel Options
The Transportation Ministry added that it was working to expand options for arriving in and departing from Israel by air, land and sea crossings.
Return Routes and Airline Operations
Land Crossings and Alternative Routes
Most Israelis have so far arrived in Israel via land crossings into the southern Red Sea resort city of Eilat.
Israeli airlines have been operating repatriation flights from European cities to Taba, Egypt and Aqaba, Jordan - adjacent to Eilat.
Gradual Resumption of Flights
These flights will continue but Israel's four airlines - flag carrier El Al, Israir, Arkia and Air Haifa - have begun flights to Tel Aviv. While airspace is being gradually opened, only incoming flights are currently allowed, at a rate of just one landing per hour due to frequent missile fire from Iran.
Official Statements and Future Plans
Ministerial Comments
"We are doing everything to return every Israeli home safely," said Transportation Minister Miri Regev, previously a Brigadier General in the military.
"With the opening of airspace, the return of Israelis to Israel began, and we continue to work around the clock together with all parties to expand the options for returning and leaving the country in accordance with security restrictions," she said.
Upcoming Flights and Restrictions
Earlier, the first planes to arrive at Ben Gurion were Israir and Arkia flights from Rome, and an El Al flight from Athens. Flights from other cities in Europe, as well as from the United States and Asia, are also planned.
Ben Gurion said outgoing flights would resume on Sunday, but initially would be limited to 50 passengers per flight.
Israel's airlines have halted ticket sales between March 15 and March 21 to allow customers whose flights were cancelled to be accommodated when the airspace opens.
(Reporting by Steven Scheer; editing by Philippa Fletcher, William Maclean)
Key Takeaways
- •More than 20,000 Israelis have returned to Israel since the start of the aerial conflict with Iran; around 120,000 remain abroad and wish to return, per the Transportation Ministry’s March 5 statement (citing Reuters) cite
- •Israel reopened its airspace on March 5 and is currently allowing only incoming flights—at a rate of about one landing per hour—due to ongoing missile threats (citing Reuters) cite
- •Repatriation is proceeding via multiple routes: land crossings through Eilat, sea routes from Cyprus, and limited flights by El Al, Israir, Arkia and Air Haifa to Tel Aviv; the overall return effort is expected to take 7–10 days (citing Reuters) cite
Frequently Asked Questions about More than 20,000 Israelis return since start of Iran war, ministry says
1How many Israelis have returned home since the start of the Iran war?
More than 20,000 Israelis have returned to Israel since the start of the Iran war.
2How many Israelis are currently abroad seeking to return?
About 120,000 Israelis abroad are seeking to come home, according to the Transportation Ministry.
3How is Israel managing the return of its citizens?
Israel has gradually reopened airspace, allowing limited inbound flights and organizing repatriation by air, land, and sea.
4Which airports and cities are being used for Israeli repatriation flights?
Flights are landing at Ben Gurion International Airport, with additional routes via Eilat, Taba (Egypt), and Aqaba (Jordan).
5When will outgoing flights from Israel resume?
Outgoing flights are expected to resume on Sunday, initially limited to 50 passengers per flight.
