Fact Check: "Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli seaports are closed."
What We Know
The claim that "Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli seaports are closed" is based on various security alerts and news reports regarding the operational status of these transport hubs amid ongoing conflicts in the region. A recent alert from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem stated that "Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and there are no commercial or charter flights operating from there. Seaports in Israel are also closed" (source-1). This alert was issued on June 19, 2025, indicating a complete shutdown of these facilities at that time.
However, a subsequent alert from October 9, 2023, contradicted this earlier information, stating that "Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, but some flights have been reduced or suspended" (source-2). This alert also mentioned that U.S. carriers had temporarily suspended flights to Israel, but did not indicate a complete closure of the airport.
Additionally, reports from various news outlets have noted that while there were significant disruptions and reduced operations, the airport was not entirely closed (source-5).
Analysis
The conflicting information from the U.S. Embassy alerts raises questions about the current operational status of Ben Gurion Airport and Israeli seaports. The June 17 alert clearly stated that both the airport and seaports were closed, which aligns with heightened security measures due to the conflict (source-3). However, the October alert indicates that the airport was operational, albeit with reduced flight availability, suggesting that the situation is fluid and subject to change.
The reliability of the U.S. Embassy as a source is generally high, as it provides official information directly from the government. However, the discrepancies between alerts highlight the need for travelers and citizens to verify the latest information from multiple sources, including the airport's official website (source-4).
Moreover, news reports from reputable outlets like The Times of Israel have confirmed that while there were significant operational challenges, the airport was not completely shut down (source-8). This indicates that while the situation may be critical, it does not support the claim of a total closure.
Conclusion
The claim that "Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli seaports are closed" is False. While there have been periods of closure and significant operational disruptions, the most recent information indicates that Ben Gurion Airport is open, albeit with reduced flight availability, and there is no confirmation that all seaports are closed. The situation is dynamic, and travelers are advised to check for real-time updates from official sources.
Sources
- Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, Israel (June 19, 2025)
- Security Alert #5: Information on Flight Availability from Ben Gurion (October 9, 2023)
- Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (June 17, 2025)
- Security Alert - October 9, 2023: Information on Flight Availability
- Israel's Airport Shuts Down, Airspace ClosesβWhat It Means for U.S. Travelers
- Fact Check: Ben Gurion Airport and all Israeli seaports remain closed during the conflict
- Israeli airlines evacuate fleets to avoid Iranian attack