Ben Gurion International Airport, the main airport of Israel, will remain open during the country’s lockdown which started last Friday (18 September) and will continue for three weeks.

The decision was taken following a ministerial meeting where it was decided that previously approved flights will be allowed to operate adhering to the guidelines.

However, no new flights will be approved during the period of the three-week-long national lockdown.

During the lockdown outbound passengers with valid tickets will be allowed to travel to the airport. They will be Covid-19 tested before boarding.

Similarly, travellers arriving in the country will be allowed to enter in accordance with established protocols.

Recently, daily Covid-19 infections surged in the country, prompting the Government to impose the lockdown, coming conveniently during a Jewish holiday season, and requiring people to stay within 500m of their houses. Schools and malls will remain closed while workplaces will operate with fewer staff. Supermarkets and pharmacies will stay open during the period.  In the meantime El Al is grounded.

www.iaa.gov.il/he-il/airports/bengurion