Israel’s Ministry of Transportation has decided to suspend planned travel easings at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of Pesach, following an emergency security assessment triggered by eight rocket barrages fired toward Israel within four hours on Thursday morning, Channel 12 reported.

The measures were expected to significantly ease travel for passengers during the busy Yom Tov period, including allowing up to 50% aircraft occupancy on wide-body planes—around 150 passengers—and allowing narrow-body planes on European routes to carry up to around 100 passengers.

However, after reviewing the current security situation, officials chose to freeze these plans. It should be noted that Israeli security officials have also identified a deliberate effort by Iran to target Ben Gurion Airport, as part of an apparent attempt to impose an air blockade on Israel and disrupt operations at the country’s main international gateway.

The decision was made by Transportation Minister Miri Regev in coordination with security authorities.

At present, Israeli airlines are continuing to operate on a limited, special flight schedule rather than regular commercial service. This is likely to result in additional flight cancellations and reduced availability, even as passenger numbers at the airport continue to rise.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)