Israel approves $18mn empty-flight compensation – ch-aviation

The Israeli government has approved up to ILS55 million (USD18 million) to compensate local airlines for costs incurred during the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, according to a July 15, 2026, transport ministry statement. Airlines operated evacuation flights to park aircraft abroad due to security restrictions and limited airport capacity at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion. The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel and the finance ministry will establish the compensation mechanism. Airlines can claim 33.5% of recognized expenses if they do not distribute dividends for one year, with an additional 33.5% available if shareholders inject equivalent equity. This scheme, covering approximately 67% of recognized expenses up to the ILS55 million cap for 2026, includes both parking fees and ferry flight costs, expanding on an earlier proposal that only covered overseas parking.