Israeli travelers evacuated due severe snowstorm in batumi

After days of disruptions caused by an unusual and severe snowstorm, Batumi International Airport in Georgia is gradually resuming operations. The extreme weather conditions led to numerous flight cancellations, stranding hundreds of Israeli travelers in the city. However, Israeli airlines have mobilized to evacuate passengers, providing accommodations while awaiting flight updates.

Flights Canceled, Israelis Stranded

One of the first disruptions occurred on Saturday night, when an Israir flight scheduled to depart from Batumi was canceled due to heavy snowfall, which necessitated de-icing procedures on aircraft wings.

However, much of the airport’s necessary equipment was out of service, making takeoffs impossible.

Similarly, an Israir flight departing from Israel to Batumi on Monday was forced to return mid-flight due to worsening weather conditions at the destination. Passengers who were supposed to return to Israel were relocated to hotels and waited for further instructions from the airline.

Meanwhile, local Israeli residents and business owners in Batumi demonstrated solidarity by offering transportation and accommodations to stranded Israeli travelers through social media.

Airport Closure and Rescue Efforts

Following the escalation of the snowstorm, Batumi International Airport suspended all operations, grounding flights to and from the city. This left hundreds of Israelis stranded, prompting Israeli airlines to coordinate evacuation efforts.

Insurance provider PassportCard announced that its policy coverage for stranded travelers was automatically extended by 48 hours at no additional cost due to the extraordinary circumstances.

By Wednesday morning, Israir operated its first rescue flight, departing Batumi at 9:00 AM. Additionally, three more flights were scheduled for later in the day, with at least two more planned for Thursday. However, airport operations remain partially disrupted, with continued delays and cancellations affecting departures, including those of Israeli carriers.

Airlines Respond to Crisis

Despite the unprecedented weather conditions—described as the worst snowfall in Batumi in decades—Israir stated that it had taken full responsibility for its passengers, covering hotel accommodations for those affected.

However, the airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority, stating: "There is no intention to take unnecessary risks by operating flights under extreme weather conditions."

Similarly, Arkia Airlines assured that it had worked to ensure passenger welfare and restore flight operations as soon as possible.

According to Arkia, all of its passengers who were stranded on Monday have already returned to Israel. Those who were scheduled to depart Wednesday morning were expected to take off within an hour and a half.

"During their stay, all passengers whose flights were delayed due to weather conditions were accommodated in hotels with full board, at the airline's expense," Arkia stated.

The airline further announced that, starting Thursday, flights along the Israel-Batumi route would return to normal operations, pending weather conditions.

Looking Ahead

While flights are gradually resuming, passengers are still experiencing delays and disruptions. Israeli airlines continue to monitor weather conditions and are working to finalize rescue efforts for any remaining stranded travelers.