Photo: Network This morning (Wednesday) the first rescue flight under the 'Safe Return' operation, led by the Ministry of Transportation, Airports Authority, and Civil Aviation Authority, landed at Ben Gurion Airport. The operation aims to bring back thousands of citizens stranded abroad due to flight cancellations following the security situation.
The operation is progressing gradually and according to situation assessments, ensuring the safety of passengers, air crews, and operators.
The first flight that landed this morning came from Larnaca and was operated by El Al. The Airports Authority increased staff at Ben Gurion Airport to streamline the passenger reception process. Passengers underwent expedited entry procedures into Israel, retrieved their luggage, and were transported to private vehicles or to shuttles and trains that took them to city centers across the country.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, CEO of the Ministry of Transportation Moshe Ben-Zaken, and CEO of the Airports Authority Sharon Kedmi welcomed the passengers. Regev also spoke with pilot Nechama before landing, telling her: "We're waiting for you. Very excited to receive the first rescue flight as part of 'Safe Return'. Preparing for the airlift to bring all Israelis home. Land safely".
The Airports Authority asks the public to refrain from coming to the airport for greetings or passenger pickups. This measure is to reduce crowding at the airport during an emergency.
Transportation from the airport will be conducted via shuttles to nearby parking lots, and in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation, bus and train services from Ben Gurion Airport to various cities have been increased.