TEL AVIV, Israel — David Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV/LLBG), Israel's primary gateway for international travel, continues to operate on March 23, 2026, but under severe limitations due to the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. The airport has not fully closed today, yet flight schedules remain drastically reduced, with strict passenger caps, cancellations and security-driven restrictions in place as missile threats and retaliatory strikes persist.

David Ben Gurion International Airport
David Ben Gurion International Airport

Flight tracking platforms such as FlightAware and FlightStats show limited activity at Ben Gurion early Monday local time. Arrivals and departures are sporadic, primarily involving Israeli carriers like El Al, Arkia, Israir and Air Haifa. Real-time data indicates a handful of flights, including some late-night arrivals from the previous day and minimal outbound operations. Weather conditions remain favorable — clear skies with light winds — but operational decisions are dictated by security assessments rather than meteorology.

The airport's status stems from the broader war that intensified in late February 2026 with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, including the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone attacks, including claims of strikes near or on Ben Gurion using advanced systems like the Arash-2 drone. Iranian state media reported successful hits in recent days, though Israeli officials have downplayed damage to critical infrastructure while acknowledging debris impacts on private aircraft parked at the airport.

These incidents prompted repeated adjustments to operations. Outbound passenger limits were reimposed after shrapnel damaged three private jets earlier this month, reducing capacity on wide-body flights to the United States to about 130 passengers (down from prior allowances of 270) and maintaining caps around 120 for narrow-body European routes. El Al canceled numerous scheduled flights through March 27 to destinations across Europe, North America and beyond, citing Home Front Command directives and airport restrictions. Affected cities include Budapest, Zurich, Barcelona, Berlin, Boston, Frankfurt, London Luton, Paris, Prague, Vienna and others.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued updated security alerts as recently as March 22, advising that Ben Gurion is "operating on a highly limited basis" with fewer flights and reduced passenger loads. Americans are urged to depart on available commercial options if deemed safe, though the embassy has scaled back organized assistance flights. The State Department emphasized not heading to the airport without confirmed tickets or direct contact, due to gathering restrictions and chaos risks.

Israeli Transportation Ministry announcements and the Airports Authority website reflect phased reopenings since early March, starting with repatriation flights to bring home stranded citizens. Over 140,000 Israelis have returned via limited inbound operations, but outbound travel remains tightly controlled. Foreign airlines largely suspended service to Tel Aviv, with carriers like Air France, Delta, United, Aegean, airBaltic and Air Canada extending cancellations well into April or beyond.

Passenger experiences have been chaotic. Reports from mid-March described endless lines, last-minute cancellations and stranded travelers amid the war's unpredictability. Some repatriation efforts succeeded, but recent escalations — including missile waves targeting central Israel — forced further curbs. Private aviation took hits from debris, underscoring risks even on the ground.

Despite disruptions, the airport has not shut down entirely today. The Israel Airports Authority maintains a flight board showing scheduled (though often delayed or limited) movements, and sources indicate ongoing coordination for essential and repatriation flights. Cargo operations continue under prior arrangements, requiring special approvals.

Travelers are advised to check airline websites directly — El Al, Israir, Arkia — for real-time updates, as schedules change rapidly based on security evaluations. The NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) from the Israel Civil Aviation Authority continues to restrict civilian airspace severely, barring most foreign carriers. Passengers should monitor official channels like the IAA site (iaa.gov.il), FlightAware or apps for alerts.

The situation ties directly to the wider US-Iran confrontation, now in its fourth week, with threats to regional chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz amplifying global aviation fallout. Middle Eastern hubs including Dubai, Doha and others have faced closures or restrictions, compounding rerouting challenges.

For those planning travel to or from Israel, experts recommend flexibility, travel insurance covering war-related disruptions and avoiding non-essential trips. The airport's partial functionality allows some movement — primarily for Israelis returning or limited outbound departures — but full normalcy remains distant amid active hostilities.

As of midday March 23 local time (early morning UTC), no new full closure has been announced, though further Iranian actions or Israeli countermeasures could alter status quickly. Authorities stress vigilance, with the Home Front Command guiding all decisions.

Ben Gurion's resilience under fire highlights its strategic importance, yet the war has transformed what was once a bustling hub into a tightly controlled facility. Travelers should prepare for delays, reduced options and potential last-minute changes in this volatile environment.