Weeks Needed for All Israelis Abroad to Return Home
Gradual Return Process Announced
According to Samuel Zakai, the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, it will take weeks-not days-before all Israeli citizens stranded abroad can return home. During an interview with News 12, he emphasized that the return process would be lengthy and involve specific conditions concerning security from missile attacks, particularly from Iran.
Status of Airspace and Operations
As it stands, Israel’s airspace is expected to remain closed at least until Tuesday. The Transportation Ministry has confirmed that the efforts to repatriate citizens will be a long and gradual process, spanning several weeks. A spokesperson for the ministry, Dudu Sassi, indicated, “Even once we receive approval to open the skies, the process will not be immediate.”
An urgent evaluation meeting is planned for the evening to ensure airlines remain informed about the ongoing situation. While pilots and crew are already positistartd in countries with a high concentration of Israeli citizens, the closure of airspace significantly hampers immediate flights.
Challenges in Repatriation
Officials noted that there will be initial constraints involving ground crews and flight staff. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding when safe air windows will be available. Once clearance is granted, preparations are in place to transport tens of thousands of passengers from central hubs, similar to past endeavors, including operations from cities like Paphos, Larnaca, and Athens.
However, there is no guarantee that operations will proceed as in earlier cases, as security restrictions have previously prevented Israeli airlines from landing in certain locations, a policy that has been in effect since January.
Conclusion
The return of Israelis stranded abroad is a complex challenge that will take time and careful planning. The focus remains on ensuring safety and security for all those involved as they work towards returning home under these challenging circumstances