Israel organizes air evacuation to retrieve citizens stranded overseas following Iran's attack
WELCOME BACK HOME, ISRAEL!
It's finally happening, folks! The rescue mission to bring stranded Israeli citizens back home is underway. On Wednesday, Israel kicked off a massive airlift operation, starting with a flight from Larnaca, Cyprus by national carrier El Al.
With over 50,000 Israelis desperately trying to return, El Al has already scheduled repatriation flights from Athens, Rome, Milan, and Paris. And they're not alone in this mission; smaller rivals Arkia and Israir are joining in on the action too.
As the spokesperson for the airports authority put it, they're preparing for an all-out 'Safe Return'. The operation might be a bit complex due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, but they're prioritizing passenger safety above all else. Tel Aviv's airport has been closed since the military strike, but staff has been reinforced to ensure a speedy exit for the arriving passengers.
Hosting a sea of Israelis, Cyprus has become a hub for these repatriation flights. expected at least nine flights from Larnaca to Haifa and four to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, carrying around 1,000 passengers each. Cruise operator Mano Maritime is even hopping on board, making two crossings from Cyprus to Israel's Haifa port with a whopping 2,000 passengers onboard their "Crown Iris" ship.
Meanwhile, Greece has started repatriation flights, bringing back 105 people amid the escalating conflict with Iran. Exact numbers and details for flights from Rome, Milan, and Paris are still vague, but they're undoubtedly part of El Al's ongoing repatriation plan.
So, don't worry if you're an Israeli stranded abroad – Israel's got your back! Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing operation.
(Enrichment Insight: Israel's national carrier El Al, along with smaller carriers Arkia and Israir, are actively coordinating a multi-airline, multi-city repatriation strategy. Operations are focusing heavily on Cyprus, a nearby EU country with open airspace, managing about a thousand Israelis daily since June 18. Greece has already started repatriation flights, bringing back 105 people, while Rome, Milan, and Paris are also part of El Al's repatriation plan but have yet to provide specific numbers or dates.)
- Despite the ongoing conflict with Iran and the closed Tel Aviv airport, Israel's airports authority is ensuring a safe return for the stranded citizens by reinforcing staff for a speedy exit.
- Amidst the war-and-conflicts, Israel's lifestyle is being disrupted, with many Israelis risking their safety to travel back home, some even choosing sea travel on ships like the "Crown Iris" operated by Mano Maritime.
- The general news is filled with updates about repatriation flights scheduled from various European cities like Athens, Rome, Milan, and Paris, coordinated by Israeli carriers such as El Al, Arkia, and Israir, aiming to bring back over 50,000 Israelis.
- As a result of the repatriation efforts, Cyprus has become a significant hub, hosting numerous flights from Larnaca to both Haifa and Tel Aviv, carrying thousands of passengers daily.
