Israel to ban all international flights until the end of January

Israel to ban international flights until the end of January

Israel has banned most international flights to prevent the spread of the new Coronavirus strains, and to ensure quick progress in the vaccination campaign.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, introduced the halt on Sunday and It will come into effect today, January 25, at midnight (22:00 GMT) and should last for a week.

There will be exceptions to cargo and firefighting flights. Travel for medical treatments, funerals, or legal procedures will be allowed as well.

Health and interior ministry officials could issue further exceptions upon request for humanitarian and personal reasons.

Israeli borders have been closed to foreigners for most of the pandemic. However, Israel passport holders are permitted to enter the territory.

Israel has been on the third national lockdown since December 27. 

The lockdown was prolonged last Tuesday, January 19, due to a surge in deaths from COVID-19. this is set to expire at the end of the month.

The Prime Minister enforced the new measures earlier on Sunday due to concerns over the new variants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives his second dose of the coronavirus vaccine
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives his second dose of the coronavirus vaccine. © Reuters

The mutations found in the U.K. and South Africa had already been detected in Israel in December.

Later, the Israeli Health Ministry reported five cases of another Coronavirus strain. That variant probably originated in Los Angeles.

Nonetheless, Israel has administered at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to more than 25% of the population since December 19. 

The country is known to be the fastest Coronavirus vaccine distributor in the world.

The rapid vaccination has also included teens aged 16-18. They can, therefore, safely attend the final high school exams.

According to Sharon Bershadsky, director of the Israel Government Tourist Office in the UK, the tight measurements and fast progress of the vaccination program will help ensure a secure reopening of the country.

Israel is determined to work hard to welcome tourists again as soon as possible.