With Israel’s airspace temporarily shut down due to the ongoing war with Iran, thousands of travelers have been forced to find alternative ways out of the country. One of the main escape routes has become Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh airport, reached by traveling south through the Taba border crossing and continuing into Sinai.

Among those making the journey are large numbers of yeshiva students, bachurim, and seminary girls who had been planning to return home for Pesach or other family events but suddenly found themselves stranded when flights from Ben Gurion Airport were halted. Many are now traveling by bus through the Sinai Peninsula before boarding flights from Sharm El-Sheikh to destinations in Europe and North America. WIth many Israeli airlines offering solutions throught this airport.

The unusual travel route has quickly become a major lifeline for Americans and other travelers trying to leave Israel while the country’s airspace remains restricted.