One of the questions troubling Israelis most is whether to book a vacation abroad or cancel it due to concerns over an escalation involving the US, Israel, and Iran. However, security officials appear to have provided a relatively reassuring answer.
The Transportation Ministry, Israel Airports Authority, and the IDF have completed the implementation of a series of directives, coordination procedures, and an advanced command and control system that will allow Ben-Gurion Airport to continue operating even under the threat of missiles and drones launched toward Israel.
Military officials said that Israel has developed a unique operational capability that enables precise windows for takeoffs and landings.
The system synchronizes threat monitoring, air traffic management, and the operations of all air defense systems, instructing pilots to remain on the ground or continue circling in the air depending on the most recent security assessment.
The decision, which remains subject to ongoing assessments, is intended to prevent the shutdown of Israel’s main national air transportation hub.
System relies on pilot experience
The system relies on the proven operational experience of pilots employed by Israeli civilian airlines, many of whom have served or continue to serve as reserve pilots in the IDF. This ensures an unprecedented level of professionalism and coordination.
However, while Israel’s operational ability to maintain aviation activity is assured, the main question that remains concerns foreign carriers rather than Israeli airlines.
The technological and security infrastructure is prepared to allow takeoffs and landings under restrictions, even during heightened readiness for incoming attacks. The real challenge will be persuading international airlines to continue operating flights to and from Israel amid security uncertainty and threats from Iran and its proxies.