The sky will remain open in limited preparation for inbound and outbound flights • Only those who purchased tickets before the tightening of the closure, ie until 14:00, will be able to fly
"After feverish discussions that lasted throughout the night (Friday), and due to the uncertainty and pressure exerted by the pilots abroad on the decision makers, today the outline of Transport Minister Miri Regev was approved, regulating the aviation industry's activity during the closure. C. For both outbound and inbound flights in a limited format, thus leaving the sky partially open.
Interview with Israir's VP of Aviation // Reporter: Shimon Yaish, Photography: Gil Kramer, Editing: Gilad Distelman
The Minister of Transport and Road Safety, MK Miri Regev, said: "The outline I presented is balanced and proportionate, one that maintains functional continuity of the aviation industry and its employees, and does not harm ticket purchasers before closing.
On the other hand, the principle of social solidarity at the time of national effort was given important weight in my decision-making.
We must all be mobilized to reduce morbidity in the country. "
The outline promoted by Minister Regev and agreed upon allows departure from the country for all those who purchased flight tickets by the time the closure takes effect, ie the 25th day of the month, until 14:00.
Buyers who purchase a flight ticket beyond this date (14:00) will not be able to redeem the flight ticket purchased.
Upon arrival at the airport, a reference must be presented for the date of purchase of the ticket, a valid ticket for the date of the flight and a negative corona check according to the requirements of the destination country.
According to the outline, Israelis will be allowed to enter Israel without restriction.
Those returning from a red state will enter 14 days of solitary confinement and those returning from a green state will enter the country according to the rules of closure.
At the same time, Ramon Airport will remain open for morning and evening flights, in order to allow Eilat residents who need medical treatment, or who are essential workers, another way to reach the center of the country.
The Minister of Transport later added: "The decision is not always easy when civil rights are violated, but after considering all the considerations I made the balanced decision, which faced very great pressure from the public and airlines. However, I can not ignore the need and national effort to reduce morbidity. In Israel and maintaining the health of the people as a guiding principle. "
Ephraim Kramer, CEO of Eshet Tours, commented on the outline that was accepted and said: "The government also understood that the airport could not be closed to outbound flights only, because without outbound flights there would be no inbound flights.
However, even in the issuance of semi-empty flights there is no economic or logical feasibility.
While the requirement to ban the approval of new flights is understandable, there is no reason to stop selling tickets for existing flights, which will result in heavy losses for tourism and aviation organizers.
In any case, there is no way to monitor the sales process that is conducted digitally and without the need to receive an audience. "