Aircraft from Jordan's skies touches down in Frankfurt's airport.
A Fresh Take on German Special Flights
Germany's government is offering a lifeline to its citizens and families stranded in Israel, with a recent flight landing in Frankfurt am Main, bringing 171 people from the Jordanian capital of Amman. On the agenda for Thursday is another fully-booked special flight, with additional plans in the works [1][2][4].
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul underlines constant diplomatic negotiations with Iran, urging open dialogue, while acknowledging Israel's apprehensions over Iran's nuclear aspirations [2].
In case you're wondering, Germans desiring departure from Israel must independently navigate to Jordan. On the other hand, the Foreign Office advises Germans in Iran to travel overland to neighboring countries like Armenia and Turkey, with open border crossings [5]. In some unique instances, departures via Azerbaijan are occasionally viable [5].
Israel has imposed exit limitations for citizens from June 20, 2025. To leave, Israeli residents must present a special authorization for essential purposes. This approval caters primarily to work, study, or medical emergencies, conditional on supportive documentation such as medical letters, official invitations, and flight bookings [3].
Due to high demand, it's essential to submit applications well in advance. Assistance is available via call centers, and legal aid may be helpful in more complex cases. If initial attempts are thwarted, appeals can be filed [3].
The situation is dicey in the region, with ongoing Israeli military operations in Iran and Iranian shelling on Israel, making the airspace above these countries off-limits [5]. Paired with this tense environment, the Foreign Office avoided organizing trips from Israel to Jordan, arguing that such moves could cause additional risks [5].
At the moment, in excess of 4,000 Germans are listed on the German crisis preparedness list, Elefand, citing their presence in Israel. The count of German registrants in Iran exceeds one thousand [5]. Keeping safety as a top priority, the Foreign Office advises those on location to adhere to the Israeli authorities' security guidelines and heed their warnings against traveling overland and avoiding crowds [5].
With these special government-arranged flights being the primary option for Germans to return from Israel and Iran, careful coordination is crucial. Navigating Israel's restrictive exit approvals is key for those seeking to depart [1][2][3][4]. Stay informed, stay safe!
[1] Source: German Foreign Office Official Announcement, June 18, 2025[2] Source: German Foreign Minister Press Conference, June 19, 2025[3] Source: Israeli Ministry of Interior Exit Approval Guidelines, June 18, 2025[4] Source: Reuters, "Germany Repatriates Stranded Citizens from Israel", June 18, 2025[5] Source: German Foreign Office Travel Advisory, June 18, 2025
Despite ongoing war-and-conflicts in the region, Germany is arranging special flights to repatriate its citizens from Israel, highlighting the importance of politics in ensuring safety during such trying times. The urgency of diplomatic negotiations, as seen with Iran, also plays a significant role in regional politics and general news.
