JERUSALEM (VINnews) – El Al Israel Airlines announced Monday it is reviewing continued operations at Ben Gurion Airport following new Transportation Ministry restrictions that sharply curtail flight activity amid ongoing missile threats from Iran.

The flagship carrier, which has focused on repatriation flights since the war with Iran began Feb. 28, urged authorities to open Ramon Airport near Eilat as an alternative hub.

The ministry’s directive, announced Sunday and effective at 5 p.m. Monday, limits departing flights from Ben Gurion to 50 passengers per flight, down from 120, and restricts takeoffs and landings to one per hour. Arriving flights face no passenger caps, though overall traffic remains severely constrained.

In a statement, El Al said the measures prevent regular commercial operations except in exceptional cases. The airline indicated it cannot provide alternative flights to passengers affected by cancellations.

Separately, Arkia Airlines said it is shifting operations to airports in Egypt’s Taba and Jordan’s Aqaba, using foreign aircraft as it did earlier in the conflict.

“Arkia will continue to operate responsibly in accordance with the guidelines, while maintaining the safety of its passengers and providing alternative and creative aviation solutions,” Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz said. “However, under the current framework, regular aviation activity cannot be maintained, as it practically means the closure of Israel’s skies.”

Arkia plans to transfer most activity to Aqaba and Taba to preserve continuity and will run minimal flights from Ben Gurion, including routes to Larnaca and Athens.

The restrictions follow recent Iranian missile barrages, including incidents causing damage from intercepted debris at Ben Gurion and strikes in southern Israel. Only Israeli carriers — El Al, Arkia, Israir and Air Haifa — have operated limited flights in recent weeks, as foreign airlines remain barred due to airspace risks.

The developments come amid U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran and diplomatic efforts, including reported talks led by U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve hostilities. Travel disruptions have stranded thousands, with airlines prioritizing repatriation and essential routes ahead of Passover.

Passengers with affected bookings are advised to check airline websites for refunds, credits or updates, as further changes depend on security assessments.