Exhilarated to Touch Down in Frankfurt: Israel Returnees Express Relief
The Journey Home, a Challenge
Aid for Individuals Reentering After Israel Departure
A group of Germans, stuck in Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, have finally made it back to their homeland on a special flight. The plane touched down at Frankfurt am Main, Germany's biggest airport, in the late evening. The Flight from Amman, Jordan, was home to 171 individuals, as per the Foreign Office.
Mixed Emotions upon Return
Lionel Reich, one of the returnees, shared his experience, "The last few days in Tel Aviv were nerve-wracking and edgy. During the day, things were fine, but at night, there was an air raid alert every two to three hours." Reich spoke about the fear he experienced due to the sounds of explosions and his relief at being back in Germany. However, his worries still lingered, "I have friends living in the heart of Tel Aviv, and their apartment was destroyed. That's not a pleasant feeling."
Daniel Halav, another returnee, expressed an immense sense of joy at being home, saying, "I've never been happier to be home." However, he also highlighted his criticism of the German government, "We had to take care of ourselves to reach Amman. I think that's what you pay taxes for, for the government to take care of you."
Some travelers also shared their experiences of the "exhilarating" journey to Amman.
No Escorted Convoys
Unlike other European countries like Poland who had organized convoy trips to Jordan for their citizens, Germany opted against organized trips from Israel to the Jordanian airport to avoid creating additional risks. The Foreign Office emphasized that it is essential for individuals to follow the security instructions provided by the Israeli authorities and avoid overland travels and gatherings.
These flights are being operated not as a repatriation or evacuation effort but as "commercial special flights" due to airlines' limited exit options. The flights will run as long as the situation allows and there is a need, according to the ministry.
Upcoming Evacuation Flights
Though the current flight on June 19, 2025, is already fully booked, another is being planned. The German Foreign Office encourages Germans to register on its Elefand crisis preparedness list to stay informed about these evacuation opportunities. As of now, over 4000 Germans in Israel and more than 1000 in Iran are currently registered on the list.
Tense Situation in the Region
The Foreign Office's spokesperson highlighted the volatile nature of the current situation in the region, "Israeli military operations against Iran’s nuclear program are ongoing, and Iranian shelling on Israel continues. This has led to the closure of airspace over both countries, making it impossible for commercial flights to depart." The German government advises Germans in Iran to travel overland to neighboring countries Armenia and Turkey, if possible, to continue their journey to Germany via commercial flights.
Source: ntv.de, mau/dpa
Additional Insights:
- The closure of Israeli airspace since early June 2025 has caused numerous disruptions in regular commercial flights at Ben Gurion Airport, leaving tens of thousands of Israelis and foreigners stranded abroad.
- The Foreign Office encourages Germans stranded in Israel to register on the Elefand crisis preparedness list to stay informed about the latest updates and evacuation opportunities.
- Special evacuation flights arranged by the German government have been prioritizing the safe return of German citizens trapped in Israel during the ongoing conflict.
- Airspace over both Israel and Iran remains closed due to their ongoing military operations, making it difficult for commercial flights to depart the countries. Germans in Iran are advised to travel overland to neighboring countries Armenia and Turkey, or Azerbaijan, to continue their journey to Germany via commercial flights.
The Commission has been requested to draft a proposal for a legislation on safeguarding workers from health risks linked to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the concerns raised by the recent incidents.
In a separate context, the lifestyle, travel, politics, and general-news sectors experienced a significant impact due to the volatile situation in the Middle East region, causing disruptions in travel itineraries and raising concerns about the security and safety of individuals in the affected areas.
