Israelis Stranded in Jordan After Policy Shift Causes Cancellations
Stranded Israelis Face Disruptions as Policy Shifts Impact Flights
Hundreds of Israeli travelers are currently stranded in Jordan due to a sudden policy change by Jordanian authorities that has led to the cancellation of several Arkia flights. This disruption is affecting travel plans during a busy time of the year, particularly around the Passover holiday.
The issue began when Jordanian officials refused to approve some of the flights operated by Arkia, Israel’s second-largest airline, which were intended to be transferred to European carriers. As a result, many of these flights have been canceled, leaving passengers unable to proceed with their journeys. Some of the affected flights were scheduled to depart from Aqaba Airport, a key point for Israeli travelers seeking alternatives to Ben-Gurion International Airport, where flight options are limited due to strict restrictions.
Arkia has confirmed that the flight planned for Bangkok will now be operated through a Jordanian airline, while passengers on the Athens-bound flight will be redirected to Taba. According to Arkia’s estimates, most of the flights departing from Aqaba to European destinations are expected to be canceled starting Tuesday. However, no official announcements have been made to passengers yet.
The airline is currently in discussions with Jordanian aviation authorities to continue operating flights. Industry sources suggest that some Arkia flights scheduled to leave from Aqaba in the coming days, including during the Passover period, may be operated by Jordanian rather than European aircraft.
Arkia stated that the Jordanian authorities are not approving certain flights due to an unexpected policy change and the lack of real-time regulatory approvals. As a result, some flights scheduled to depart from Aqaba are not being allowed to operate, leading to cancellations until further notice.
In response, Arkia has indicated that some operations will be moved to Taba airport, provided that the necessary approvals are granted. The airline is working with relevant parties to resume normal operations as soon as possible and will keep passengers informed about the status of their flights.
According to Arkia, Flight 591 from Aqaba to Bangkok is currently in Jordan and will proceed, but it will be operated as two separate flights by Jordan Aviation to Larnaca. From there, passengers will continue their journey to Bangkok. Meanwhile, passengers on today’s flight from Aqaba to Athens will be transferred to another flight departing from Taba.
Alternative Airlines Step In
Meanwhile, the Israeli travel company Issta has clarified that its flights from Aqaba will operate with Electra Airways, a European carrier. These flights are scheduled to depart as planned for Paphos and Athens starting on March 30 and continuing until April 8. Issta stated that all necessary approvals have already been received.
Additionally, Blue Bird and Tus airlines announced they will increase their planned flight schedules from Taba on Monday and Tuesday, offering four daily flights to Athens and two daily flights to Larnaca. Arkia has shifted most of its operations to Aqaba and Taba airports following the decision to reduce the number of passengers on flights departing from Ben-Gurion International Airport to 50 per flight instead of 120.
CEO Comments on the Situation
Arkia’s chief executive, Oz Berlovitz, commented that under the current framework, it is not possible to maintain regular aviation activity, effectively meaning that Israel’s skies are closed. He emphasized that the company cannot be asked to choose between passengers who have already purchased tickets and therefore is preparing to transfer most operations to Aqaba and Taba airports to maintain aviation continuity as much as possible.
