40,000 tourists stranded in Israel after airspace closure

Around 40,000 tourists are currently stranded in Israel following the closure of the country’s airspace, according to estimates from the Israeli Tourism Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry announced the launch of a 24/7 virtual office providing real-time information and assistance to tourists through digital platforms. The service is available in both Hebrew and English, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

Officials say the ministry is working closely with key players in the tourism sector — including hotels and accommodation providers — to support travellers with accommodation and other essential needs.

“We are also trying to help tourists, presenting them with currently available options for foreign passport holders to leave Israel via land border crossings via Jordan and Egypt, which have remained open,” a spokesperson said.

Despite the airspace shutdown, land exits to neighbouring countries remain operational, and authorities are advising foreign nationals to consider those routes as potential means of departure.

By Sabina Mammadli