Israel reopens airspace overnight — selective commercial flights resume

The Israel Airports Authority announced airspace reopening at 01:00 local time (23:00 UTC March 4), the first reopening since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28. Only whitelisted airlines with approved routing are permitted — major carriers including El Al, Lufthansa and British Airways are resuming selective flights. Ben Gurion Airport is operating at 30% capacity with enhanced security. The IAF maintains full operational authority and can close the airspace at any moment. The reopening is both practical (stranded passengers, cargo) and symbolic — signalling that Iran's missile campaign has not achieved its goal of shutting down Israeli civilian life. Aviation insurance premiums for Israel routes remain 400% above pre-war baseline.