Flights Suspended: Israeli Airline Offers Free Cruise Return from Cyprus Amid Iran Conflict
With flights grounded due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli national carrier El Al has announced an alternative sea travel option for stranded passengers.
According to the Times of Israel, Mano Maritime has chartered a cruise ship to sail from Limassol, Cyprus to the Israeli port of Ashdod, providing relief for El Al and Sun D’Or passengers affected by Israel’s recent airspace closure.
The ship, which accommodates around 1,500 passengers, will first depart from Ashdod on June 24 to pick up passengers in Limassol.
The return trip to Ashdod is scheduled for June 27.
Affected airline customers whose flights were cancelled can board the cruise for free.
Others will pay €550 for a one-way ticket via the El Al website.
However, passengers opting for the cruise will not be eligible for repatriation flights, and all tickets—whether free or paid—are non-refundable.
This development comes after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on June 13, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
Iran’s retaliation with missile and drone attacks led to widespread travel disruptions, forcing many airlines to reroute or cancel operations in and out of Israel.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
