Israel's National Airline Offers 'Deep Discounts' To Repatriate Those Who Fled Iran Missiles

El Al, Israel's national airline, has introduced heavily subsidized return flights to repatriate Israelis who fled during the recent war against Iran. The flights, which start on June 25, offer capped fares of $99 from European cities and $649-699 from the US, roughly half the standard price. The offer is aimed at repatriating Israelis who fled to countries such as Cyprus, where thousands remain, and emergency repatriation efforts are ongoing. The crisis was triggered by the closure of Israeli airspace on June 13 after Iranian missile strikes damaged key infrastructure. Since the ceasefire on June 24, Israeli airports have fully reopened, and wartime travel restrictions have been lifted. Foreign nationals were permitted to leave via land or sea, but Israeli citizens were barred from purchasing outbound flights, leading hundreds to flee by yacht to Cyprus and then to Europe. Egypt also emerged as an escape route, with Sinai authorities raising the alert level due to an influx of Israelis via the Taba crossing. The repatriation campaign has highlighted growing contradictions, with Israel encouraging returnees with subsidized flights while its wartime policies trapped its own citizens abroad or forced them into risky sea evacuations. Many of those who fled hold dual citizenship, with common destination countries including the US, EU states, Russia, and Ukraine.