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Israel Civil Aviation Authority: 'Sensitive Period' Ahead - What to Know About Flights

Published January 25, 2026, 18:07
Israel Civil Aviation Authority: 'Sensitive Period' Ahead - What to Know About Flights

Israel's Civil Aviation Authority has placed air travel to and from the country on high alert, warning foreign airlines of a 'sensitive period' ahead of the next weekend. The initial warning letter mentioned a possible closure of airspace and prioritized the departure of foreign flights, but the head of the authority, Shmuel Zakai, clarified that the reference was to the previous weekend, although the wording in the letter was in the future tense. Zakai emphasized that current data indicates stability, but acknowledged the 'possibility, although not high,' of renewed negotiations between the US and Iran, which could lead to de-escalation. The letter also states that airspace will be closed immediately if a satisfactory level of security cannot be ensured, as has happened in the past. At the same time, Zakai assured that defense systems are fully deployed and at a high level of readiness, while inter-state coordination mechanisms are functioning normally. This move comes amid rising tensions with Iran and following previous warnings of potential attacks. However, the Italian airline ITA has proactively canceled its overnight flights to Israel until January 27, following the example of other European airlines, as a precautionary measure against potential escalation of the conflict.