The State Department announced on March 19 that it has partnered with El Al Airlines to arrange non-stop flights exclusively for American citizens from Tel Aviv to the United States. These efforts have enabled more than 2,000 Americans to return home from Israel, with tickets offered at discounted rates.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that American citizens wishing to leave Israel have accessible options. The department said that the chartered flights operated between March 16 and March 19 returned over 2,000 Americans at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. Each flight was reserved solely for American citizens, and El Al provided tickets below cost while waiving reticketing charges for those who already held tickets.
El Al will continue reserving a percentage of seats on all regular U.S.-bound flights for Americans seeking departure from Israel. Over the next week, the airline has scheduled 28 commercial flights to North America, subject to approval by Israeli authorities. In addition, after Operation Epic Fury began, the State Department offered charter flight options not only directly to the United States but also via Athens and ground transportation routes into Egypt. The department noted that supply exceeded demand on nearly every chartered flight and bus during this period.
Other travel options remain available for Americans in Israel. Ben Gurion Airport continues limited commercial operations through airlines such as El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa. Overland routes are also open toward Taba, Egypt, where commercial departures are possible. The Israeli Ministry of Transport has made an application form available for foreign nationals needing support in leaving Israel during emergencies.
Since February 28, more than 70,000 Americans have left the Middle East and returned home with assistance from the State Department. The department has provided security guidance and travel help to over 41,000 citizens and arranged more than 60 evacuation flights from the region since late February. Officials say they have contacted every registered American seeking support and continue offering personalized assistance both in Israel and other countries in the region.
