Speaking from Ben-Gurion International Airport, Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz welcomed the FAA decision to permit a resumption of flights to and from Israel.

Katz held a situation assessment with airport officials, adding that a number of European carriers have already agreed to lift the ban and resume flights. He did not specify airlines. Katz is hopeful the European Union community will resume regular flights to Israel.

In the interim Uvda Airport in the Negev is packed as some carriers agreed to bring stranded Israelis to that area instead of Tel Aviv, fearing rocket fire to Gush Dan. Katz has instructed officials in Uvda Airport to do their utmost to accommodate the passengers arriving in that location. The minister added 40,000 people will pass through the airport today, referring to Ben-Gurion.

In a message to Hamas leader Khalid Meshal, Katz added “You stood there last night in your suit and tie and applauded your success, the closure of Israel’s skies. I am here to tell you that you failed in that effort as well as flights are resuming and will continue”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)