At a press conference held today (Tuesday) at Ben Gurion Airport on the 'Safe Return' program - to repatriate Israelis 'stranded' abroad since the outbreak of the Israel-Iran war, Transportation Minister Miri Regev declared the expansion of the operation, subject to the instructions of the Home Front Command and security and intelligence officials.
The minister presented a new plan to open the skies, which is intended to increase the supply of flights and return the aviation industry to regular activity, as well as the return of foreign companies to operations at Ben Gurion Airport.
""Yesterday, after the cabinet, I instructed the Airports Authority to prepare for the final phase of the 'Safe Return' plan. The plan will be implemented in accordance with two conditions: changing Home Front Command guidelines and security coordination with security and intelligence officials," the minister said.
According to her, as part of the 'fifth phase', the airports will be opened to full operation, and Ben Gurion Airport will operate 24 hours a day. This move will allow flights to be received and issued without any time restrictions, in order to meet the growing demand and ease the expected congestion at Israel's main airport.
Haifa Airport will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Ramon will return to activity as soon as the security establishment allows.
""As soon as the Home Front Command announces the lifting of the restrictions, we are prepared to receive all flights to Israel. The Israeli Navy is at destinations abroad to return the concentrations of Israelis there. Today, 24 flights will land at Ben Gurion Airport, and 9 flights in Haifa.".
""This morning a ship arrived from Manu with 1,900 Israelis. From the beginning of the operation until the end of the day, more than 100,000 passengers will return, and about 70,000 passengers will depart by all means.".
Regev noted that as part of the next phase of the 'Safe Return' operation, foreign companies are expected to return to Israel: "Currently, Etihad, the Chinese company, Tos, Fly Dubai, Blue Bird and Red Wings have contacted us.
""We will turn to other foreign companies to resume operations. I expect Israeli companies to act responsibly and fairly and to set reasonable prices, to be alert to the plight of travelers abroad and the desire of Israelis to go abroad during the summer.".
She emphasized: "Anyone who planned flights for July-August can prepare for this, may they travel safely and of course enjoy themselves. We will do everything necessary to return Israelis safely and responsibly.".
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