Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Ben Gurion Airport to close for Yom Kippur Sep. 18-19 /update 1

Event

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), serving Tel Aviv, is scheduled to be closed from the afternoon (local time) on Tuesday, September 18, until the evening of Wednesday, September 19, in observance of Yom Kippur. The final arrival to TLV on September 18 is slated for 13:40, and the final departure at 13:55; the first flight arrival scheduled on September 19 is slated for 21:30, and the first departure at 23:30.

Heightened security measures are to be expected in Israel, especially near religious sites, for Yom Kippur; only limited public transportation services are expected to run during this holiday period. Border checkpoints into and exiting the West Bank and Gaza Strip will also be closed. Notably, the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge crossing, connecting the West Bank and Jordan, will be closed from 08:00 on Tuesday until the morning of Thursday, September 20.

Context

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar and will be observed from sunset on September 18 to nightfall on September 19. It will take place in a context of high tensions this year, as numerous clashes have occurred over the past few weeks and months between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters. More than 170 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers have been killed in border clashes since protests related to the Great March of Return began in March.

Advice

Travelers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements if planning to fly via TLV during Yom Kippur, allow additional time to reach their destinations, and avoid public gatherings or demonstrations due to the potential for violence, especially in Jerusalem.

Due to the ongoing threat of terrorism, visitors to Israel are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, several Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian borders.