Despite the support of the Minister of Transportation and senior officials in the Ministry of Health, it is still forbidden to purchase and exercise flight tickets abroad • Under much pressure, the Knesset will hold a crucial debate on the subject
Aviation industry people are frustrated and confused by the decision-making process regarding the approval of the purchase of airline tickets and their realization during the closure.
Senior Ministry of Health officials have already made it clear that there is no danger in flights, especially when it comes to 'green' countries, and even Transport Minister Miri Regev supports the opening of the skies, as do other ministers and MKs.
Reporter: Shimon Yaish // Photo: Gil Kramer
The law banning the realization of airline tickets during the closure is due to expire tomorrow (Thursday), but today there will be a special discussion regarding the possibility of extending it.
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein is among the main opponents of the repeal of the law, along with health officials who fear that other industries will challenge the government and ask it for answers regarding flight permits compared to the ban on operating restaurants, synagogues and other industries.
Currently, anyone who books a flight and arrives at Ben Gurion Airport to redeem his ticket is considered to have broken the law.
However, during several visits to Ben Gurion Airport in recent weeks, enforcement of this decision is very minimal. Thousands of Israelis bought tickets during the closure and flew abroad.
At the same time, airlines report losing millions of dollars in just two and a half weeks.
Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir, told "Israel Today" that the company has lost more than two million dollars since the start of the closure last month. The company does continue to sell airline tickets, as in all airlines, because for them it is not a violation of the law. Is an offense, which is why many Israelis are afraid to break the law and do not order plane tickets, despite the desire to fly abroad.
Many pressures are exerted on the decision makers to open the skies and allow the purchase and realization of unlimited flight tickets in accordance with the flight policies to 'green' and 'red' countries, but there may be objections in the discussion that may delay the decision in the coming days.