Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsAuthorities are considering limiting passenger numbers at Ben Gurion Airport while emergency preparations expand across the country.Follow us on GoogleEl Al plane takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, May 24, 2026.(photo credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)ByZIV REINSTEINJUNE 8, 2026 10:07Ben Gurion Airport will remain open for now, but officials are expected to reduce the number of passengers and departing flights following the resumption of hostilities and missile attacks from Iran, according to Israeli authorities.The Home Front Command is seeking to lower the number of passengers at the airport to around 2,500, a move that would reduce the number of outbound flights. The Transportation Ministry, however, is pushing for a higher cap of 5,000 passengers. At present, the airport remains open and is operating normally until further notice.Haifa Airport continues regular operationsHaifa Airport is also operating as usual. According to reports from the airport, Air Haifa continues to fly hundreds of Israeli passengers to Larnaca, Mykonos, Paphos, Athens, and other destinations.Earlier, El Al announced that passengers holding tickets for flights scheduled through June 13 would be eligible for a free postponement or a voucher for a future flight.Ballistic missiles launched from Iran, as seen over the West Bank city of Hebron, June 8, 2026. (credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90)Tourism ministry opens emergency operations centerMeanwhile, the Tourism Ministry said it had opened an emergency operations center following a situational assessment led by Director-General Michael Itzhakov. The center is intended to coordinate the relocation of residents to hotels if homes are damaged by missile strikes.As part of the transition from routine operations to an emergency footing, Itzhakov instructed ministry employees, particularly regional managers appointed to oversee different areas, to follow Home Front Command directives and prepare to carry out their assigned responsibilities should local authorities request assistance in housing evacuees at hotels across the country.The ministry also said that 27,165 tourists who entered Israel during the past 30 days are currently in the country.The airport remains operational, but authorities are continuing to assess the security situation and may adjust restrictions as conditions evolve.Follow us on Google