Fact Check: Over 50,000 Israeli travelers stranded as Ben Gurion Airport shuts down.

Fact Check: "Over 50,000 Israeli travelers stranded as Ben Gurion Airport shuts down."

What We Know

On June 13, 2025, Israel's Ben Gurion Airport was closed to all civilian traffic following a military strike on Iran. This closure was part of escalating tensions in the region, leading to significant disruptions in air travel. Reports indicate that more than 50,000 Israeli travelers found themselves stranded abroad as a result of this closure. The Israeli government estimated that between 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis were outside the country at the time of the airspace shutdown, with many unable to return home due to the lack of available flights (source-1, source-2).

Travelers reported receiving little information regarding their return options, and the Israeli Minister of Transportation announced plans to coordinate repatriation flights, which would take time to implement (source-1). The closure of Ben Gurion Airport was described as a significant event, with comparisons made to the disruptions following the September 11 attacks in the United States (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that "over 50,000 Israeli travelers are stranded" is supported by multiple sources, including the Associated Press and The New York Times, which confirm that the airport's closure left a significant number of travelers unable to return to Israel (source-2, source-1). However, the estimates of the total number of Israelis abroad vary, with some reports suggesting that the figure could be as high as 150,000 (source-6).

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they include established news organizations like the Associated Press and The New York Times, which have a history of accurate reporting. However, the situation is fluid, and the numbers may change as more information becomes available and as the Israeli government implements its repatriation plans.

Conclusion

The claim that "over 50,000 Israeli travelers stranded as Ben Gurion Airport shuts down" is Partially True. While it is accurate that a significant number of travelers are stranded due to the airport's closure, estimates of the total number of Israelis abroad vary widely, with some sources suggesting the figure could be much higher. The situation is evolving, and ongoing developments may affect the accuracy of these numbers in the near future.

Fact Check: Over 50,000 Israeli travelers stranded as Ben Gurion Airport shuts down.