Earlier this week, an Israeli teen, approximately 18 years old, managed to sneak onto an Austrian Airlines plane without a boarding pass. Only when he landed in Vienna did the Austrians discover he had no flight ticket, and he was returned to Israel. The case occurred about two months after another severe failure during which a 13-year-old boarded a flight from Ben Gurion to the US without a flight ticket. He slipped past all security circles by staying close to other passengers.

Following the incidents, conclusions were drawn, and boarding pass verification will now be conducted at the initial screening stage at Ben Gurion International Airport.

What has changed? Until now, passengers moved through various stages – from terminal entry to aircraft boarding – without needing to show flight tickets at certain points. Now, through a gradual rollout, travelers will be required to present boarding passes even at stages where this was not previously necessary.

Important to know: During the initial implementation phases, wait times may extend beyond normal, and queues at certain airport junctions may stretch longer than usual. The initiative is being deployed in learning phases, with full completion anticipated over the coming year.

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The authority emphasizes that these services are offered only by "hustlers," without permits and against the law. The authority bears no responsibility for damages caused to travelers or vehicles, and anyone choosing such services assumes full risk.

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Key developments include the August 14 launch of an advanced security and check-in facility within Terminal 3. This new Terminal 3 plaza spans roughly 3,900 square meters (41,979 square feet) and features 22 check-in positions, cutting-edge security screening technology, and modernized baggage processing systems. The structure utilizes an industrialized aluminum framework comparable to contemporary European terminals, ensuring complete operational adaptability. Total construction investment reached approximately 50 million shekels ($14.1 million).

Terminal 1 resumes international service beginning August 3, initially accommodating El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Georgian Airways operations, with Lococost, Wizz Air, and additional carriers joining subsequently. This restoration follows the elimination of European Aviation Authority limitations. August operations anticipate approximately 500 international departures and arrivals through Terminal 1.

Strategic infrastructure initiatives by the Ministry of Transportation and Israel Airports Authority encompass developing a new Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway interchange, expanding security processing and immigration zones, creating additional passenger entry points, and enlarging duty-free commercial and dining spaces.

Despite the removal of European Aviation Authority guidance discouraging Israel travel, which reopens opportunities for numerous airlines, ticket pricing remains prohibitively expensive.

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The Ministry of Transport announced, "The airspace of the State of Israel is closed to takeoffs and landings until further notice. The purpose of the closure is to prevent and minimize risks to passengers and aircraft. Passengers scheduled to depart from Ben Gurion Airport today are requested to remain at home and not arrive at the airport."

Passengers will receive notifications through media channels at least six hours before the airspace reopens and can check updated flight schedules on airline websites and the Israel Airports Authority website. The ministry added, "Passengers currently abroad whose flights were canceled, did not depart, or landed at alternative airports are requested to follow media updates and, once the airspace reopens, check airline websites for their new flight times."

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The investigation began several weeks ago following a report received by the police, revealing a suspected pattern of systematic behavior. The court approved the extension to allow investigators to continue their work and identify additional victims, if any exist. The Jerusalem District Police's Central Unit for Preventing and Combating Family Violence is leading the probe.

Police have issued a public appeal, urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim or witness to the suspect's actions to contact the Central Unit. Authorities are intensifying efforts to uncover the full scope of the alleged offenses.

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Both President Donald Trump and Hamas confirmed his release was to take place on Monday, and his parents arrived at Ben Gurion Airport from the US in the afternoon.

A security official reported that a military helicopter carrying Edan's mother, Yael, along with several other figures, took off from the airport minutes after landing, heading to a reception facility near Kibbutz Re'im in the Gaza border region, where Edan is expected to arrive after linking up with Israeli forces in Gaza.

As his return neared, hundreds marched from Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to the US Embassy Branch Office on the beach, demanding a breakthrough in negotiations to free all 59 remaining hostages.

Edan's family confirmed that after his release that he may travel to Qatar to meet US President Donald Trump, who will arrive in the Gulf nation on the first day of his regional tour. However, they stressed this depended on his medical condition. President Trump wrote on his social media platform TruthSocial, "We thought he was dead – and he will be released. This is great news."

Israel estimates Edan will likely be released in the evening, between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., and handed over to Red Cross personnel in Khan Younis.

Edan, a 21-year-old Golani fighter kidnapped from an IDF base in the Gaza border region, is a lone soldier and US citizen raised in New Jersey. On October 7, he volunteered to stay with his comrades at the base. His release is a gesture by Hamas tied to US President Donald Trump's Middle East visit, in an agreement made without involvement from Israel's government.

Hamas's military wing officially announced that Edan Alexander will be released Monday from Khan Younis, though no exact time was specified. Israel estimates the release will occur in the evening, between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., with Edan handed over to Red Cross personnel before linking up with IDF forces. An IDF spokesperson stated that forces are preparing for the transfer and return of Edan from Khan Younis starting at 6:30 p.m., though the timing may shift. A senior Hamas official told Al0Jazeera that the release was coordinated with the Red Cross, while an Egyptian source told Qatari media that a Mossad delegation is expected in Cairo tonight to discuss details of a broader hostage deal.

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Airline cancellations to Israel continued on Wednesday, with several carriers extending their suspensions.

Numerous airlines persisted in canceling flights to Israel, some lengthening the duration of their suspensions. Ryanair announced cancellations until May 11, while American carriers United Airlines and Delta Air Lines extended their suspensions until May 18 and May 19, respectively. These three major airlines significantly impact travel to the country.

AFP / Ed Jones

An Air France Airbus A318 aircraft lands at Blagnac airport in Toulouse, southern France, on January 2, 2025 (AFP / Ed Jones)

Meanwhile, other airlines followed suit. The Lufthansa Group – including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels, and Eurowings – canceled flights until May 11. Air France and Transavia suspended operations until May 13, while Wizz Air canceled flights until Thursday morning, May 8, with updates expected during the day. Aegean Airlines from Greece halted flights until May 13, affecting some morning flights on May 14. Air Europa had not announced cancellations beyond Wednesday but was expected to provide updates. Italy's ITA Airways canceled until May 11, including flights AZ809 and AZ815 on May 12. Poland's LOT canceled all flights until May 12, though flight 155 remained scheduled for that date.

Additional airlines joined the cancellations. Air Baltic suspended flights until May 11, Ethiopian Airlines canceled at least some flights for Wednesday and Thursday, and British Airways halted operations until June 14. Iberia Express canceled its Wednesday flights, while Air India and British Airways suspended routes to Israel until May 8.

280 flights at Ben Gurion Airport today - which airlines are operating?

Dozens of airlines have temporarily halted flights to Israel, including Delta, United, Lufthansa, Air France, and other major carriers. Despite this, travel to and from Israel remains possible, with Ben Gurion Airport handling over 45,000 passengers on Wednesday – roughly half departing and half arriving.

In total, approximately 280 international flights, both incoming and outgoing, were scheduled. Airlines still operating at Ben Gurion include Bluebird Airways and TUS Airways – foreign carriers with Israeli ownership – as well as Flydubai, which operates eight daily flights. Etihad Airways, with 20 weekly flights, announced an increase to 28 weekly flights starting in December.

A Lufthansa airplane, photo: PR (archive)

All Israeli airlines – El Al, Israir, and Arkia – continued operations, while Air Haifa maintained its services from Haifa. Airline schedules remain fluid, with potential changes ahead. Travelers should check directly with airlines and official sources for updates on flight operations.

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Video: Missile launched from Yemen impacts Ben-Gurion Airport

While members of the opposition have begun putting forward various proposals for military responses, senior decision-makers have remained conspicuously silent. On one hand, such a significant attack cannot go unanswered. On the other, Jerusalem is carefully weighing each step in the broader confrontation with both the Houthis and the Islamic Republic of Iran, steps that also depend on signals and decisions coming out of the White House.

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to the missile launch from Yemen by saying: "Those who harm us will be hit sevenfold in return."

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Video: Missile launched from Yemen impacts Ben-Gurion Airport

Numerous international airlines are seeking clarification about the recent incident and expressing hesitation about flying to Israel.

Air India has canceled its flights through May 6, including flight BA405 on May 7, which had to circle in the air during a missile alert. Today's flights by Air Europa, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, have also been canceled.

Azerbaijan Airlines canceled tonight's flight but is expected to resume service tomorrow. Delta's flight from New York tonight has been canceled, along with tomorrow morning's flight from Israel to New York.

Italy's ITA Airways has canceled all flights through May 6, including flights AZ809 and AZ815 on May 7. The Lufthansa Group—which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings—has suspended all flights to and from Israel through May 6. British Airways has also canceled flights through Tuesday.

Air France passengers were removed from a plane in Paris. Wizz Air has suspended all flights until Tuesday morning. Iberia Express canceled today's flight. Ryanair flights to Paphos, Turin, Vienna, and Thessaloniki were also canceled.

Ethiopian Airlines, however, announced it is continuing to operate flights to Israel as usual.

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Video: Missile launched from Yemen impacts Ben-Gurion Airport

The attempted interception was carried out by the THAAD system and the Arrow missile defense system. The IDF Spokesperson instructed the public to follow Home Front Command guidelines. Sirens were heard in the Dan region, Jerusalem, the Sharon region, the Judean Foothills, Judea and Samaria, Menashe and Lachish.

Officers cordoned off the impact site of a fragment of a munition component and are scanning the area for additional remnants or items in order to eliminate further risk to the public.

Magen David Adom medics and paramedics provided medical treatment and evacuated casualties to Shamir–Assaf Harofeh and Sheba–Tel Hashomer hospitals. A man in his 50s was in light to moderate condition, and a 54-year-old woman sustained light injuries from the blast. A 32-year-old woman was injured while making her way to a shelter, and five others sustained similar injuries. Two people suffering from anxiety were being treated at the scene. MDA teams were dispatched to scan the area where suspected rocket fragments were reported to have fallen.

Senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti told Arab media that "the strike on Ben-Gurion Airport is proof of our ability to target fortified sites inside Israel. We have demonstrated our capacity to strike at the military prestige of the US, Britain, and Israel. There are no red lines in our confrontation with the Zionist entity, the US, and Britain."

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