October 6: SEE UPDATE TO THIS POST
As first reported by Chaim V’Chessed, despite discussions to the contrary, Ben Gurion Airport has remained open during the current enhanced lockdown. Flights are continuing as regularly scheduled.
However, the new lockdown regulations state that passengers will only be permitted to board outbound flights if they purchased their tickets prior to September 25. According to this, travelers who now decide to fly abroad would be prevented from doing so. This is deeply troubling to members of the English speaking community who may wish to return to their origin countries during this uncertain time.
Chaim V’Chessed has learned that the instructions issued to airlines on Friday September 25 stated that passengers who hold foreign citizenship would be allowed to fly, regardless of when their ticket was purchased, see here. However, in a surprising move, a revised letter was issued to airlines on Saturday, September 26, which removed this dispensation! This would mean that foreign citizens would be barred from leaving Israel, if their tickets were not purchased before last Friday!
Chaim V’Chessed representatives are in touch with numerous officials regarding this issue. At the same time, we have learned that this rule is not being implemented by many airlines, and, at this time, most passengers, both Israeli and foreign, are being allowed to depart Israel, regardless of the purchase date on their ticket.
We will continue to clarify this matter, and will issue updates as appropriate.