Flights out of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport are so packed that leaving Israel by air has become almost impossible for many Americans. The US Embassy in Jerusalem has stepped in, advising citizens to prepare alternative routes as tensions with Iran spiral into open conflict.
Since late February 2026, after US-Israeli airstrikes hit Iranian military targets, the region has grown increasingly volatile. The Embassy has issued several security notices throughout March, each urging Americans to seriously consider leaving for their own safety. With tightly limited flight capacity, the US State Department has organized bus trips from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Amman, Jordan. Travelers can then catch international flights from Jordan’s airport.
Opting for this land route means dealing with extra steps. Visitors must pay $60 for a visa on arrival at the Jordanian border and handle their own transportation once in Amman. The Embassy had already authorized non-essential staff departures earlier in February, signaling cautious evacuation efforts that now affect civilians.
The warnings remain firmly focused on personal security. Official messages advise vigilance and readiness to find shelter but avoid mentioning broader economic or market impacts. This reflects the immediacy of physical danger over financial concerns. As commercial flights remain restricted to 130 passengers per plane, congestion and delays will likely continue, driving many to seek alternatives.
This content is informational and should not be taken as financial advice.
