Hundreds of Israelis Stranded as Jordan Suspends Arkia Flights

The crisis began on Sunday, March 29, 2026, when Jordanian authorities unexpectedly suspended all flight operations by the Israeli airline Arkia.

According to reports from Israeli Channel 12, the suspension comes as a result of an "immediate change in policy" by the Jordanian government. Arkia had been using the Aqaba airport as a strategic hub for its long-haul flights to Europe and Bangkok, following the closure of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on February 28 due to ongoing missile and drone threats from Iran.

Flight Cancellations: Arkia has been forced to cancel dozens of flights originally planned to operate via charter European aircraft.

Current Situation: Video footage shared on social media shows large crowds of frustrated Israeli travelers at the Aqaba terminal with no clear timeline for departure.

Facing a total blockade of its plans in Jordan, Arkia is now pivoting to Taba International Airport in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The airline intends to transport passengers by bus across the border from Eilat to Taba to continue its routes to destinations like Athens, Larnaca, and Batumi. However, this transition is dependent on obtaining the necessary operational permits from Egyptian authorities and managing a logistical backlog of thousands of passengers.

The regional instability continues to drive a mass exodus from Israel. Official data reveals that by March 13, 2026—just two weeks into the conflict—at least 29,429 Israelis had already left the country by land, air, and sea. With Ben Gurion Airport slated to remain closed until at least April 16, the reliance on neighboring hubs like Aqaba and Taba has become a critical, yet fragile, lifeline for those seeking to exit the conflict zone.