First 'Operation Lion Wings' Rescue Flights Land in Israel

Two first return flights landed this morning (Thursday) at Ben Gurion Airport as part of "Operation Lion Wings" to bring Israelis back to the country. The first flight, operated by El Al, took off from Athens and landed in Israel with 170 passengers. Simultaneously, an Israir flight from Rome landed with an additional 170 passengers.

In accordance with the directive of Minister Regev, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) is preparing to operate additional flights to Ben Gurion Airport.

Throughout the day, return flights are expected to land at Ben Gurion Airport at a frequency of once per hour, in full coordination with all security authorities, with the aim of returning all Israelis home safely.

The Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Miri Regev, and the Director General of her ministry, Moshe Ben-Zaken, welcomed the passengers at the airport, greeted them, and emphasized the state's commitment to continue working to return all Israelis home safely. Minister Regev was present in the control tower during the landing and greeted the pilots of the aircraft that brought the Israeli passengers home.

Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: "This is an emotional moment where we see Israeli citizens returning home. We are doing everything necessary to bring every Israeli home safely. 'Operation Lion Wings' is proof of our mutual responsibility and the ability to act quickly even in complex times. We will continue to work non-stop until everyone who wishes to return has returned to Israel."