Israel Grants USD 18 Million to Airlines for Rescue Flights
Israel has approved a USD 18 million compensation package for airlines operating rescue and repatriation flights.
Jishan Khan 
The Israeli government has approved a USD 18 million compensation package for airlines that operated empty rescue and repatriation flights during recent regional disruptions, helping carriers recover part of the financial losses incurred while bringing stranded passengers home.
The programme is designed to support airlines that continued operating essential services despite security-related airspace restrictions and significant operational challenges.
Supporting Essential Air Connectivity
During the recent regional disruptions, several airlines conducted non-revenue flights to evacuate and repatriate passengers affected by flight cancellations and airspace closures.
These flights often operated without paying passengers on one leg, generating substantial operational costs while providing critical transportation for citizens and travellers stranded abroad.
The newly approved compensation package aims to offset part of those expenses and recognise the role airlines played in maintaining essential air connectivity during the crisis.
Addressing the Cost of Empty Flights
Unlike regular commercial services, rescue and repatriation operations frequently involve aircraft flying empty to collect passengers before returning with evacuees.
Although these missions generate little or no revenue, airlines continue to bear costs including fuel, crew salaries, airport charges, maintenance, and aircraft utilisation.
The financial support is intended to reduce the burden on carriers that participated in these emergency operations.
Strengthening Aviation Resilience
The compensation package reflects Israel's broader effort to strengthen aviation resilience during periods of regional instability.
By helping airlines recover part of their extraordinary operating costs, the government hopes to encourage carriers to continue supporting emergency evacuation and repatriation efforts whenever future disruptions occur.
The move also highlights the increasingly important role airlines play in national emergency response, extending beyond commercial transportation to support humanitarian and public safety operations.
