The flight board at Ben Gurion Airport is filling up again as numerous international carriers announce their return to Israeli skies after months of disruption. Currently, dozens of foreign airlines are already operating in the country, including the entire Lufthansa Group, Air France, Air Europa, Flydubai, Etihad, Hainan, and many other carriers.

On Sunday, a major airline is resuming operations in Israel – Air India. The Indian carrier will reopen direct flights to India while simultaneously expanding competition on routes to the East, with Bangkok expected to be particularly popular through connections in Delhi.

Concurrent with Air India's return, the coming month brings several significant developments for Israeli travelers. In less than two weeks, on March 15, United Airlines is set to become the first American carrier to return with a daily flight to New York. The airline will subsequently double its frequency to two daily flights beginning March 29.

Following closely behind, American carrier Delta will rejoin the market on April 1, bringing the total to four different airlines operating direct flights between Israel and the United States within a month. This expanded offering is expected to intensify competition between El Al, Arkia, United, and Delta. Currently, there is no confirmed information regarding American Airlines' return date to Israel.

Irish budget carrier Ryanair is scheduled to resume operations on March 30. The airline confirmed this return date and noted they are selling direct flights to more than ten destinations from Israel, including Berlin, Athens, Larnaca, and other cities. Spanish carrier Iberia will also restart operations on March 30, increasing competition on the Madrid route currently served by Israeli airlines and Air Europa. Air Baltic will follow on April 2 with direct flights to Riga, and three days later, on April 5, aviation giant British Airways is expected to return to Israeli skies.

The next month represents a critical period for aviation in Israel. If all carriers return as scheduled, alongside those already operating, it will mark a substantial improvement compared to the situation during the war period. Several major airlines have yet to announce their return, including Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Portuguese TAP, Emirates, Korean Air, American Airlines, and others.

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Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to a felony charge of conspiring to defraud the US government in a case linked to the crashes of its 737 Max jets that killed 346 people, the Washington Post reports. The plea deal, reached just before a midnight deadline on Sunday, marks a significant turn for the aerospace giant and comes after the Justice Department determined that Boeing failed to meet the terms of a 2021 agreement to avoid prosecution for allegedly not sharing crucial information from the Federal Aviation Administration about a new automated control system on the Max. This system was implicated in both the Indonesian and Ethiopian crashes, causing uncontrollable dives.

The deal comes after the Justice Department said the company had violated that 2021 agreement by not properly addressing issues, namely, by not making the changes it had committed to in order to detect and prevent violations of federal anti-fraud laws.

The plea agreement, which must still be approved by the court, includes several key provisions. Boeing will pay an additional $487.2 million in penalties, agree to oversight by an independent monitor, spend at least $455 million to strengthen compliance and safety programs, and be placed on supervised probation for approximately three years, a Justice Department official told the Washington Post.

"This criminal conviction demonstrates the department's commitment to holding Boeing accountable for its misconduct," the official stated.

The deal also includes a long-sought meeting between Boeing's board of directors and the families of crash victims. However, Paul Cassell, an attorney representing the families and a professor at S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, immediately filed an objection to the agreement on their behalf.

The criminal case delves into the design of the Max, an updated version of Boeing's popular 737. The company was racing to compete with European rival Airbus in the 2010s when it developed the automated system implicated in the crashes. Prosecutors allege that two technical pilots concealed information about the system's expanded capabilities from an FAA oversight office, leading to its omission from a safety report and leaving pilots unfamiliar with its operation.

This plea agreement comes on the heels of a January 2021 deferred prosecution agreement between Boeing and the Justice Department. Under that deal, which expired shortly after a midair blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines 737 in January 2024, Boeing acknowledged that its technical pilots misled federal regulators about the software system.

The Washington Post reports that by May, federal prosecutors found Boeing had violated the terms of the 2021 agreement, partly by failing to create agreed-upon compliance and ethics programs.

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European nations and Canada moved on Sunday to shut their airspace to Russian aircraft, an unprecedented step aimed at pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his invasion of Ukraine, the biggest attack on a European state since World War II.

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The ban on Russian jets comes as the airline industry continues to grapple with the effects of the global pandemic that is still straining demand for travel.

Germany and France joined Britain, the Nordics and Baltic states in announcing bans on Russian use of their airspace, a major escalation in a tactic by mostly NATO allies to wage economic war against Putin in retaliation for the invasion.

The West, led by the United States, also unveiled severe financial sanctions against Russia, which has called its assault on Ukraine a "special operation" to dismantle Kyiv "junta," capture dangerous nationalists and destroy Ukraine's military.

Russia is now widely expected to further retaliate against the air blockades and other sanctions. It has already responded to the earliest European airspace bans with its own edicts barring airlines from Britain, Bulgaria and Poland.

Without access to Russia's airways, experts say carriers face diverting flights south while also avoiding areas of tension in the Middle East – adding significant time and cost.

"France is shutting its airspace to all Russian aircraft and airlines from this evening on," French Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said in a tweet, an announcement echoed across continental Europe.

Earlier, Germany's transport ministry said it would close airspace to Russian planes and airlines for three months from Sunday, with the exception of humanitarian aid flights.

Canada also said on Sunday it had shut its airspace to Russian aircraft effective immediately.

Air Canada said it "does not operate to destinations in either the Ukraine or Russia, and at all times, we comply with all airspace restrictions per Transport Canada and the FAA (US Federation Avian Administration)."

Nordic countries Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland also made similar announcements, following on from closures already declared by Britain, Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Romania. Baltic countries Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are also closing their airspace to Russian airliners.

"It is now absolutely necessary to proceed with further touch measures to isolate Russia," Swedish EU Minister Hans Dahlgren told public service radio SR.

Finnish Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka said in a tweet late on Saturday that Finland, which shares a long land border with Russia, was preparing a similar closure.

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Dubai's biennial Air Show opened Sunday to a world still reeling from the pandemic and an aviation industry hard-hit by the coronavirus, but on the mend.

The event also marked the first time an Israeli Air Force chief holds a visit to the United Arab Emirates. IAF chief, Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin, took part in the opening and met with his various counterparts, including some from Middle Eastern countries. According to the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson's Unit the visit is part of the "deepening of relations and cooperation between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, as part of the Abraham Accords signed last year."

The accords, brokered by the previous US administration, saw four Arab nations announce their intent to normalize relations with Israel. The UAE has since set up an embassy in Israel and opened its skies to Israeli tourists.

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Boeing and Airbus have traditionally been the stars of the aviation trade show, competing for multibillion-dollar Gulf-based airline purchases and hammering out final details minutes before back-to-back press conferences. This year, however, the five-day exhibition is expected to be more muted than in the past due to the subdued state of flying and travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rather, the air show's first day drew eyes toward defense and military hardware from countries like Russia and Israel.

The star on the tarmac outside the exhibition hall was Russia's Checkmate fighter jet, which was shown to the press in a custom-built hangar with a display of laser lights bouncing off a mirrored ceiling. The jet, with a baseline $35 million price tag, is a less costly competitor to the US F-35, which the UAE has been trying to acquire since formally recognizing Israel last year in a deal brokered by the Trump administration. That sale has slowed under US President Joe Biden.

"The idea was born as we used all the experience that Russia got during its Syria operations and many of the features of the aircraft came from realistic situations that we experienced," said United Aircraft Corporation CEO Yuri Slyusar through a translator at the unveiling. In Syria's devastating civil war, Russian fighter jets have supported President Bashar Assad's forces.

UAC is a holding company of state-owned Rostec, Checkmate's parent company. Production of the jet is expected to start in 2025.

Also, more than 100 American companies are exhibiting at the air show, including defense giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

"We are committed to deepening and strengthening this vital strategic relationship," said Sean Murphy, the US Embassy's charge d'affaires. At the opening of the US pavilion, he also thanked the UAE for its help in the US-led evacuations out of Afghanistan.

Israeli companies also displayed their hardware for the first time at the air show following Israel's normalization of diplomatic ties with the UAE last year. The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries company showed off a range of manned and unmanned naval and aerial drones.

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems displayed its "drone dome" that detects and destroys drones with lasers. Emirati defense officials were seen asking about the range and weight of the anti-drone system at the Israeli pavilion. In all, six Israeli companies are taking part in the air show. These include Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael, Tomer Astronautics, Nir Or, and UVision, according to an official statement.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz described the UAE-Israel partnership as a "strategic asset," saying in a statement that the Defense Ministry's participation "reflects the deepening relations" between the two nations. The two countries share deep concerns over Iran, which is set to resume negotiations over its tattered nuclear deal with the US and other world powers.

IDF Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, the head of the Defense Ministry's Directorate for International Defense Cooperation (SIBAT) said: "The opening of an Israeli national pavilion in Dubai is a new and historic component in the strengthening relations between Israel and the UAE. We are thrilled to have an opportunity to participate in this important exhibition and to showcase the advanced technological capabilities of Israel's defense industries. Within the framework of the exhibition, we plan to hold numerous meetings to discuss new areas of collaboration."

JNS contributed to this report.

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Israeli Air Force pilot cadet Cpl. Lihu Ben-Bassa, 19, who was killed in a plane crash near Kibbutz Mishmar Hanegev on Tuesday, was laid to rest Wednesday afternoon at the military cemetery in Rishon Lezion.

Ben-Bassa was three months into his pilot's course. He is survived by his parents and his twin brother.

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The fallen cadet's father, Shlomi, eulogized his son: "Forgive me, my son. You're in every one of my tears and you'll continue to live in every cell in my body. I did the best I could as a father. I'm sorry I didn't do more. Now you'll be present every second of my life. You're in my heart forever, and I carry you with me all the time. Rest in peace. You're not alone. You never will be, I promise."

IAF flight school commander Col. Yuval Harel, also spoke at the funeral.

"You went out for your last flight with [Itay] Zaiden, one of our best pilots and instructors, your experienced and skilled squadron leader. Your friends say that before the flight, Zaiden hugged you like a father and you told them how excited you were to be heading in the right direction, and then it happened.

"Since yesterday, we've been trying to understand what happened. There are a lot more question marks than answers. We will probe the incident, we will learn from the mistakes and how not to repeat them," Harel said.

Shibolet Ben-Bassa, the late cadet's mother, said Wednesday: "My Lihu – the wonderfuly boy you are, you went to serve with some much joy and hope. I held myself back from talking to you about my fears, I didn't want to stop your flight and your commitment.

"God, why? Why you? I don't understand. A gentle, quiet boy, but you have so many talents and so much wisdom in every field … What will we do without you?" she lamented.

IAF flight instructor Maj. Itay Zaiden, 42, who was killed the same crash, was laid to rest Wednesday morning. At his family's request, the funeral was private and the media was not invited to cover it.

The residents of Kibbutz Shoval in the northern Negev, where Zaiden lived, were in heavy mourning. Zaiden's widow, Michal, and his four children – asked not to be interviewed.

Family friend Lior Reiser, spoke on their behalf. "Itay was a very close friend, the best of the best, salt of the earth, a family man, everybody's friend, someone who had wonderful charisma and humanity. His death is a disaster for everyone."

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Additionally, the study indicates that the attack rate in Israel has dropped below 1, which means that corona carriers are infecting one person or fewer, and indicates that the spread of the virus is being checked.

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Professor Yinon Ashkenazy of the Racah Institute of Physics, one of the authors of the report, said, "Our measurements, compiled from an analysis of the numbers of moderately and seriously ill patients, show a significant slowdown in the spread of the virus."

"Our conclusion is that the steps taken on July 17, including limiting the number of people allowed to gather to 10 in enclosed spaces and 20 outdoors, actually worked. The spread of the virus has been slowing for some time, and the conclusion from that is that it is possible to open [the economy], but there is no need to be severe. The existing restrictions have worked, and we need to think about how to live life in accordance with them.

"The good thing is that we didn't have to instate a full shutdown," Ashkenazy said.

While the spread of the virus might be slowing, the number of Israelis testing positive continues to climb, with an all-time record of 2,062 tests coming back positive in the 24-hour period from midnight Monday to midnight Tuesday, the Corona National Information and Knowledge Center reported Wednesday.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 33,377 active or symptomatic corona patients in Israel.

The number of COVID patients listed in serious condition dropped for a second day, standing at 315 on Wednesday, 96 of whom were on ventilators. Another 155 patients were listed in moderate condition. The total number of corona patients hospitalized nationwide stood at 736, and as of early Wednesday, the death toll reached 486 since the start of the epidemic in Israel.

The number of COVID units in Israeli hospitals with no beds available dropped, with only Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), Hadassah Ein Karem Medical Center, and Sourasky Medical Center at or over full capacity.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein toured Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, including the hospital's corona unit. Netanyahu and Edelstein were briefed on the hospital's preparations for this coming winter, when a spike in coronavirus, as well as seasonal flu, is expected.

After the visit, Netanyahu said, "I was impressed by the dedication of the nurses and the team of doctors, who are working difficult shifts in protective equipment, with masks and great sacrifice."

"As of now, they can deal with the severe patients. Nevertheless, there is a question of personnel, of when we reach the warning point where they tell us – 'We can't accept any more patients.' This is the major question. As of now, due to [their] proficiency, their dedication, and their organization, we still have room," the prime minister said, adding that Professor Ronni Gamzu, who is coordinating the government's war on COVID, would address the issue of hospital availability.

As of Wednesday morning 426 doctors, 808 nurses, and 1,763 other health care professionals were in quarantine.

Since the start of the epidemic, 32,692 Israelis have recovered from the virus.

In a related development, Deputy Director General of the Health Ministry Professor Itamar Grotto said Wednesday that the Health Ministry would soon be approving new guidelines for civil aviation, under which citizens of "green" countries where coronavirus is under control will not be required to be tested for COVID or enter quarantine upon arriving in Israel.

Israel's "green" list of countries currently includes Greece, Cyprus, Montenegro, Georgia, Germany, and other nations.

However, it appears unlikely that Israelis will be able to travel to any of those nations in the near future, even if they provide proof of a recent negative coronavirus test.

Gadi Golan and Shimon Yaish contributed to this report.

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El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin wrote in a letter to employees this week warning them that "our situation worsens with each passing day," the business daily Globes reported on Wednesday.

"We're approaching the point at which the state must decide whether it wants a national airline, or whether it believes that aviation security is not an important and substantial element in national security."

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The fact that the letter was published seems to indicate that the company wants it known in order to increase pressure on the government.

Usishkin mentioned El Al's efforts in returning Israelis from Australia, Peru and other locations as examples of "how critical having a national airline" is to Israel and how without it, "Israel is liable to become an island under siege."

The CEO also pointed out, according to the report, that the company's revenue has almost completely dried up because of the stoppage of flights and the closing of borders due to COVID-19.

Usishkin noted that 85% of El Al's workers are on unpaid leave, and that the company submitted a solvency plan to the Finance Ministry.

He argued that the government had two options: First, to allow the airline to collapse, losing its NIS 2.5 billion ($690 million) contribution to GDP, its professional experience and commercial ties that the aviation took years to accumulate, and especially the heavy costs, amounting to billions of dollars, merely to recreate the air fleet.

The second option would be a $200 to $300 million state loan that would enable El Al to recover and quickly resume regular activity.

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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According to the report, the FAA awarded NICE a 10-year contract worth up to $137 million.

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NICE Executive Vice President Chris Wooten was quoted as saying of the deal that "millions of flyers rely upon the FAA daily to ensure their safety. In mission-critical times of need, the FAA needs to be best positioned to act fast and respond smartly. We at NICE recognize the need of this important work and are ready to support the FAA as it improves incident-related debriefing and investigations. We look forward to continuing our years of service in supporting the FAA."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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The aircraft is around 50% cheaper to produce than airplanes of traditional size, as well as quieter. The plane is able to transport two pilots and up to nine passengers. As for the tech specs, the plane is made up of lightweight materials and have a low drag coefficient that allows the craft to simultaneously operate at top speeds while using less fuel. Alice features three MagniX engines at the end of each wing, as well as a main engine at the rear to propel it to higher speeds. The cabin has ample space and includes an area to charge mobile phones and rotating seats.

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Measuring 12 meters long (39 feet), with its wings at 16 meters (53 feet) long, its total weight is around 6.4 tons (5,800 kg) and the craft holds a 900-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery. Around 1.25 tons (1,100 kg) of the plane's total weight is devoted to the passengers, pilots, and baggage.

Although incapable of long-haul international flights, Alice can fly shorter distances, such as from Israel to Cyprus or from Paris to Toulouse. Eviation expects its main customers to be American aviation companies, which can service short-haul lines within the continental US like the New York-Boston route.

At the Paris Air Show, Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohai noted that fuel costs for Alice would be significantly lower and flight costs would amount to some $200, half that of a traditional passenger aircraft. Most of the savings comes due to reduced fuel costs.

Alice is expected to undergo test flights in the US in the following months and be approved by the US Aviation Administration by 2022. Production for Alice will take place in Prescott, Arizona.

Eviation is also planning to present an unmanned cargo aircraft, the Orca. Currently, the company has taken several orders for its new aircraft, which carry a price tag of around $4 million each.

Eviation is run by Chairman Aviv Tzidon and CEO Omer Bar-Yohai and based in the Kadima-Zoran Industrial zone. The startup has so far raised $200 million.

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