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Berkshire Hathaway resumes its share repurchases. CEO Abel purchases Berkshire stock
Berkshire Hathaway announced on Thursday that it had begun repurchasing shares after a two-year break. Greg Abel, who succeeded Warren 'Buffett in January as CEO, is putting his stamp on the company. Berkshire began its first stock repurchases on Wednesday. These repurchases may help Berkshire reduce the $373.3 billion cash position at year's end, which has grown because Buffett was unable to find stocks and companies to purchase. Abel revealed that he purchased 21 Berkshire Class A Shares on Wednesday, for $14.6 million. This represents the after-tax equivalent of his salary of $25 million. He plans to make similar purchases in future. As of Wednesday, the 63-year old now owned 249 Class A Shares worth approximately $182 million. In his first interview on CNBC, in New York, as CEO of the company?Abel stated that he had consulted Buffett about buybacks and purchases. The Thursday disclosures could ease concerns that Omaha-based Berkshire had been too cautious in investing capital and that Abel should have shown a greater commitment to the conglomerate worth more than $1 trillion. Buffett is still the chairman of Berkshire and has almost all his wealth in Berkshire shares. Abel received $870,000,000 in?2022 after he sold Berkshire Hathaway Energy, his 1% share. Berkshire shares rose by 1.5% during morning trading. They had been lagging behind the Standard & Poor 500 by over 30 percentage?points since Buffett announced he would be stepping down from his position as CEO. Berkshire also owns Geico auto insurance, BNSF?railroads, many manufacturing and industrial businesses, Duracell, Fruit of the Loom and $297.8 Billion in stocks, led by Apple. ABEL SAYS THAT HE IS LOOKING FOR LONG-TERM Abel told CNBC Berkshire buys stock back when its intrinsic value exceeds the current market price. This creates long-term value to shareholders. He stated that, "with the change of leadership", it was important that disclosures be made that buybacks were resumed. Abel, who is Berkshire's chief executive officer, said that the company normally announces buybacks every quarter. Cathy Seifert is an analyst with CFRA Research. She said that the buybacks sent a "positive message" after Monday's shares suffered their largest one-day % decline since Buffett stepped aside. She said that for the near-term gains to continue, Berkshire must improve its fundamentals. Abel says that adding to his Berkshire holdings allows him to align himself with shareholders in the long-term. He stated that he envisioned himself as a chief executive for at least 20 years. Berkshire, unlike many large companies does not grant equity or stock options. Abel stated, "The idea is that our shareholders are owners and they can use their tax dollars to purchase Berkshire. I will do the same." "Nobody else in corporate America is doing this." Abel, like Berkshire, does not plan to pay dividends in the near future. PACIFICORP DRAWS LINES IN COVERING WILDFIRE CLAIMS Abel also spoke about the lawsuits that are being brought against Berkshire PacifiCorp over wildfires in Oregon, which will be raging from?September 2020 onwards. Victims blame the utility's failure to turn off power lines. S&P Global warned that it could 'downgrade' the utility from junk to junk status. PacifiCorp is facing a $50 billion exposure on top of all cases settled. Abel stated that "we're willing to accept absolute responsibility" for any damage caused by lightning. However, PacifiCorp resisted. Abel said, "We are absolutely sorry that the lives of these people have been affected." "We are sorry for their situation. It's not up to the utility to shoulder those costs and obligations. This is where we draw the line. (Reporting from Jonathan Stempel, New York; Additional reporting by Arasu Kanagi Basil, Bengaluru; Editing by Arun K. Koyyur and Nick Zieminski).
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Starmer: UK-US relationship still special despite Trump criticism
Keir starmer, the British Prime Minister, said that Britain and the United States continue to have a "special relationship". They also share intelligence. This was after Donald Trump had rebuked Starmer for hesitating in supporting U.S. airstrikes against Iran. Starmer, the British leader who initially refused to allow the United States use British bases in the U.S. - Israel campaign, has been attacked personally by the U.S. President, who claimed that the British leader is "not Winston Churchill". Starmer, speaking at a recent press conference, defended both his decision to initially deny access to the bases and to then participate in "defensive operations" against Iran after Tehran responded by attacking its neighbors. Starmer stated that "the special relationship is operating?right away." Starmer said that the U.S., and British, were working together in the area to "protect the U.S. as well as the British from harm in our joint bases. We're also sharing intelligence 24/7 in the usual manner." Starmer, in addition to the criticism from Trump, has also been criticized by other allies, such as Cyprus, where a drone made by Iran hit one of Britain’s military bases there. The prime minister has been criticized at home as well, by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Farage is a Trump-supporter on the right. He accused him of being dithering. He said on Thursday that "Keir Starmer's alienation of the?American Administration is not just putting his personal relationship at risk, but also a relationship with another country who we would be?defenceless without." Starmer's Government said this week that it would 'deploy' a warship as well as helicopters equipped with anti-drone capability to blunt Iran's retaliatory attacks. On Thursday, he announced that he would be sending four more Typhoon fighter planes to Qatar for additional protection. The UK, along with a number of other European countries, are looking for ways to return citizens who have been stranded by the Middle East conflict, which has closed a number of the busiest airports in the world. Starmer stated that more than 4,000 British citizens had registered in the UAE and returned to the UK on commercial flights. (Written by Michael Holden; additional reporting by Andrew MacAskill, Elizabeth Piper and William James, editing by William James).
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As flights to the Middle East cease, governments plan repatriations
Commercial flights have been grounded in some parts of the Middle East due to the escalating conflicts following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. This has left foreigners stranded and prompted governments to plan for repatriations. The European Commission has announced that it is now coordinating the repatriation of citizens under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, as more member states ask for help in evacuating their citizens from the Middle East. Six flights have already been made to Bulgaria, Italy and Slovakia. Ten EU countries, including Belgium, Czech Republic France, Cyprus Luxembourg and Romania, have activated this mechanism so far. In alphabetical order, below is what government officials and representatives have said about the repatriation plan: AUSTRIA Austria's Foreign Ministry said that it had helped 117 vulnerable citizens leave the UAE via Israel and neighbouring countries. It also planned a charter flight for 170 passengers from Muscat, but warned that travellers would have to take land departures at their own risk. BULGARIA GullivAir and Bulgaria Air, as well as the State Aviation Operator, will return Bulgarian citizens to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman this Wednesday and Thursday. The flights include a GullivAir Boeing 737 flight via Oman and a Bulgaria Air Boeing 737 rotating through Dubai. CZECH REPUBLIC According to the CTK news agency, government officials and Czech government officials, three flights have been organised so far from Oman, Jordan, and Egypt in order to evacuate 175 people who were stranded. ESTONIA The Estonian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had organized a flight from Muscat to the United Arab Emirates and Oman with 180 seats. This would cost 400 euros for each passenger. FINLAND The Finnish foreign ministry announced that Finland would organize a single flight to bring home the approximately 3,000 Finns who are currently living in the United Arab Emirates. The flight will leave Muscat, Oman this weekend. The tickets will cost 2300 euros each, plus any travel expenses to Muscat. FRANCE On Wednesday, the French Foreign Minister announced that several flights were being planned to bring home French nationals who are currently in the area. Around 400,000 French citizens live in this region. France has said that it has deployed consular teams to Israel's border with Egypt and Jordan in order to facilitate the land exits for people so they can fly onward. It has also put in place similar mechanisms in the UAE, at the borders with Oman, and Saudi Arabia where airspace remains open. GERMANY Johoann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister, announced that two more flights, each carrying about 250 passengers, are planned for Thursday and/or Friday, following the arrival of the first flight in Frankfurt on Thursday. He said that commercial air traffic has increased and Germany is reviewing its options for further assistance. GREECE According to the Greek Foreign Ministry, 162 Greeks were repatriated between Tuesday and Thursday from the Middle East. HUNGARY In a press release, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry said that 87 people had been?repatriated from Amman in Jordan on Wednesday, and another flight with 88 passengers was scheduled for Thursday. On Friday, a flight will depart from Sharm es Sheik in Egypt. Hungary signed a deal with Flydubai to rent a plane on Thursday and Friday for the repatriation of Hungarians from Dubai. On Saturday and Sunday, Hungary will be departing from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia with two flights. The Italian Foreign Ministry said that about 2,500 Italians had returned from Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on commercial flights organized by the ministry. The consulate has increased its staffing levels in Oman and in the UAE, and it is now coordinating the return of large groups from the UAE, and other transiting via land via Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Additional Italians living in Oman, Israel and Thailand, as well as the Maldives, are also being helped or given priority for transport. Netherlands The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that repatriation from the Middle East would resume on Friday. Flights include a KLM flight out of Muscat, the capital city of Omani, and a TUI service from Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. The contribution per person is 600 euros. POLAND A Polish army spokesperson said that the first of two Polish aircraft sent to Oman for repatriation of Polish citizens will land in Poland around midnight on Friday. ROMANIA The Romanian foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that FlyDubai had scheduled two flights from Dubai to Bucharest for Wednesday and Thursday. The ministry has received over 3,000 requests for repatriation and around 16,000 people are registered in the region. SERBIA Air Serbia's flight from Sharm el-Sheikh landed in Belgrade at dawn on Wednesday with 67 passengers evacuated from Israel. SLOVAKIA The Slovak Foreign Ministry reported that two evacuation flights from Jordan, organised by Slovakia, landed Tuesday. They carried a total 127 people, mainly Slovaks. There are more flights planned. SLOVENIA The prime minister's statement said that on Tuesday, four buses were organized by Slovenia, escorted and accompanied by police officers, to transport Slovenian citizens, families with children, from Dubai to Muscat Airport in Oman. Two more flights are scheduled for late afternoon or evening on Wednesday. Jose Manuel Albares, Spain's Foreign Minister, announced on Tuesday that the country has started evacuating citizens from the Middle East. He said that more than 175 Spanish citizens arrived in Abu Dhabi on a flight on Tuesday night. Additional flights are expected to arrive from the UAE via Istanbul. Albares said that Spain would also reinforce its embassies located in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to facilitate repatriations and provide support. THAILAND Thailand will 'evacuate' its nationals to Turkey by land on 7 and 10 March, while those stranded are either returning to their home countries or will do so once the airspace is reopened. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES State news agency WAM reports that the UAE Civil Aviation Authority will start operating "special flight" across all airports in the country to assist some of the tens and thousands of passengers stuck in the region. UNITED KINGDOM The British Foreign Office announced that British chartered flight will leave Oman on Friday after technical delays on Tuesday. Priority will be given to vulnerable UK citizens who wish to leave the area, following the registration of 130,000 UK citizens in the region.
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As the Middle East conflict escalates, airlines cancel flights
The global air travel industry is still severely affected by the Iran war, which forced the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. This left tens and thousands of passengers stranded and disrupted thousands of flights. The following is a list of the most recent flights by airline alphabetically: AEGEAN AIRLINES The largest airline in Greece has suspended all flights from and to Tel 'Aviv, Beirut and Erbil until the morning arrivals on March 10. Flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh will be suspended until the evening arrivals on March 6 and flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Riyadh until early morning arrivals on March 7. AIR BALTIC AirBaltic, a Latvian airline, said that all flights from and to Tel Aviv have been cancelled until March 9. AirBaltic said that all flights to and out of Tel Aviv have been cancelled until March 9. AIR CANADA The Canadian carrier plans to resume flights on March 23, after suspending all flights until March 22, to and from Dubai, Tel Aviv and the Middle East. AIR EUROPA Spanish Airlines has canceled all flights to Tel Aviv from March 9 until now. AIR FRANCE KLM Air France cancelled flights from and to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Dubai until?March 8, and to and fro Riyadh and Dubai until March 6. This includes a flight departing from Dubai on the 7th of March. KLM announced that flights from and to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam have been suspended until March 8 and flights from and to Tel Aviv for the rest of winter. CATHAY PACIFIC Hong Kong Airlines has cancelled all flights from and to Dubai, and to and Riyadh through March 14. The U.S. airline has cancelled flights between New York and Tel Aviv until March 22, as well as Tel Aviv and New York. EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES El?AL and Sundor flight to and from Israel have been cancelled until 2?a.m. Local time on March 8. EMIRATES The UAE airline announced that it would operate a reduced schedule of flights until further notice. ETIHAD AERWAYS The UAE carrier suspended all commercial flights from and to Abu Dhabi until 3:00 PM GMT on March 6th. FINNAIR The?Finnish airline has cancelled Doha flights and Dubai flights up until March 29, and is avoiding airspace in Iraq, Iran Syria and Israel. British Airways, owned by IAG, has announced that flights to Tel Aviv have been cancelled until March 9, and that flights to Amman Abu Dhabi, Bahrain Dubai Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha, Doha are cancelled up to March 7. There is a reduced schedule for Larnaca. Iberia Express is IAG's low cost airline that has cancelled all flights from and to Tel Aviv until March 10. ITA AIRWAYS ITA Airways has extended the cancellations of flights to and from Tel Aviv till March 22. Dubai cancellations were extended until March 10. JAPAN AIRLINES Japan Airlines has suspended flights between Tokyo and Doha scheduled for February 28 through March 14, as well as Doha-Tokyo until March 15. All flights to and from Tel Aviv have been cancelled by the Polish airline until March 18. The airline also cancelled flights from Riyadh to Dubai and Dubai to Riyadh. LUFTHANSA GROUP The German airline group that includes Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines as well as Swiss, Brussels Airlines and Swiss Airlines suspended flights from Tel Aviv to Beirut until March 28, and Amman to Erbil by March 15. Tehran flights were suspended until April 30, and Dammam, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi flights were suspended until March 10. Flights from Larnaca to?on March 7 will resume. MALAYSIA AIRLINES Malaysia Airlines has suspended all flights from and to Doha until 7 March. The Malaysian carrier temporarily resumed its return services from and to Jeddah, Madinah between March 4 and 8. NORWEGIAN AIR The Nordic airline will fly to Tel Aviv from June 15 instead of April 1, and to Beirut on April 4. PEGASUS Turkish Airlines has cancelled all flights to Iraq, Jordan, and?Lebanon up until March 6, and flights to Iran till March 12. QATAR AIRWAYS The airline said that it has suspended flights from and to Doha because of the closure of Qatari aviation. SINGAPORE Airlines Singapore Airlines has cancelled all flights from and to Dubai through March 7. Scoot, its low-cost carrier, cancelled flights from and to Jeddah until March 7. Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights from and to Bahrain, Iran and Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon, Oman and Qatar, Syria, the UAE and Dammam, as well as to and from Saudi Arabia. WIZZ AIR This low-cost carrier suspended flights from and to Israel, Dubai Abu Dhabi, Amman and Abu Dhabi until March 15. Flights from Jeddah to Medina and back will resume on March 8. (Compiled by Josephine Mason and Jamie Freed; reporting by bureaus. Editing by Barbara Lewis and Louise Heavens; Christian Schmollinger; Matt Scuffham; and Milla Nissi Prussak.
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The war in Iran enters its sixth day.
Residents described the U.S. and Israeli campaign against Iran as intensifying on Thursday, while Iran vowed retaliation anywhere in response to a U.S. strike on a ship thousands miles away from the battle 'zone. The abrupt postponement in Iran of the planned three-day'mourning period for the slain Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has disrupted apparent plans to quickly anoint Khamenei’s 'hardliner son' as his successor. "Today's worse than yesterday" They are attacking northern Tehran. We are stuck. It is like a war zone. Mohammadreza (36), a phone call from Tehran, said, "Help us", with a shaking voice, as Israel's latest wave of attacks on Iranian government targets erupted. IRAN PROMISES REVENGE FOR WARSHIP SINKING Although some financial markets in the world recovered from their falls earlier this week, the impact of the campaign has intensified. Countries around the globe are now cut off from one fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Iran has vowed revenge after a U.S. warship was torpedoed by a U.S. ship off the coasts of Sri Lanka, killing more than 80 sailors. Iran's foreign minister stated that Washington would "bitterly" regret the precedent set by its sinking of a ship without warning in international waters. General Kioumars Heydari of the Revolutionary Guards told state television: "We will fight Americans anywhere they are." The body of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ayatollah Khamenei was to be laid in state at a prayer hall in Tehran from Wednesday night to kick off three days of mourning. The memorial, which was expected to bring thousands of mourners into the streets, has been abruptly and indefinitely delayed shortly before the event was scheduled to begin. The Iranian officials said that they were close to naming Khamenei’s successor and the most likely candidate was his son Mojtaba. A powerful hardliner, Mojtaba's selection would be seen as a bold act of defiance. The Iranian government did not give a reason for the delay, but one source said it was partly due to a fear of assassination among those who would attend while Israeli and U.S. planes remained 'in the sky. The memorial ceremonies of Shiite religious and political leaders, particularly those who are seen as martyrs of the faith, are well known for their mass public displays. The announcement of the younger Khamenei's successor during the mourning period will allow him to gain power while the followers of his father are on the streets. This will help to rally support and make it harder for opponents to challenge. Israel said that it would kill anyone who replaces Khamenei and continues his hostile policy. Hacking of Iranian TV Two sources who are familiar with Israel's plans for battle said that after killing many Iranian leaders in a nearly week-long series of strikes, Israel now planned to move into a second phase where it would target the underground bunkers which Iran uses to store its missiles. Israel says its goal is to topple Iran's clerical leaders. Washington claims its aim is to stop Tehran from being able project force outside its borders. It has also called for Iranians to rise and seize the power. The death of the supreme ruler was openly celebrated by many Iranians, whose security services had just killed thousands of antigovernment protesters in the worst unrest to hit Iran since 1979's Islamic Revolution. On Thursday, state television broadcast a video featuring Reza Pahlavi. The exiled son and leader of the opposition in Iran, Reza is the son of Iran’s last shah. We all share a heavy burden. Together, we will continue on this path to a 'final victory. "Long live Iran", he said. One woman, 25, in Tehran asked for her name to not be used due to security concerns. She said that those who were against the government weren't able to go out on the streets because the country was being attacked. However, they had expressed their anger by posting online videos celebrating Khamenei’s death. She said, "If Mojtaba took over, he would be killed too, so we don't worry about it." Israelis were sent to shelters by air raid sirens. Military spokesman Effie Defrin stated that the number of missiles launched daily from Iran has decreased, but "the threat remains". He said that the longer we continue to intensify damage and eliminate launchers, the less the threat will grow. IRAN CONTROLS THE STREAM OF HORMUZ, REVOLUTIONARY GARDENS SAY The war had a global economic impact. Above all, the disruption to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz where a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied gas flow along Iran coast. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed that they had attacked a U.S. oil tanker in northern Gulf, and that the vessel was on flames. This is the latest report of many similar attacks. The Guards announced that Iran would control the passage through the Strait. Azerbaijan reported that four Iranian drones crossed its border, injuring four people. It was preparing to respond. Iran, which has launched missiles and drones against U.S. ally in the region, denies responsibility for the incident.
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GAIL, India's gas utility, is considering reducing its supply to customers following the Petronet LNG forced majeure
GAIL (India), a long-term natural gas supplier in India, said it would assess whether to reduce supplies after receiving a 'force majeure' notice from Petronet LNG. This was due to 'constraints placed on vessels by the Middle East conflict escalating. India's imports from Qatar of liquefied gas have been affected by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. After some vessels were 'hit', the fallout from U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran has caused the transit of LNG through the Strait of Hormuz. GAIL announced that, as of March '4, the allocation of LNG to GAIL from Petronet has been reduced to zero. The potential impact due to the force majeure cannot be quantified. GAIL said that LNG from other suppliers and sources is not affected at this time, according to a stock exchange statement. Petronet LNG is India's largest gas importer. It issued a notice of force majeure to its supplier QatarEnergy and local buyers such as GAIL?and Indian Oil Corp. after its LNG tanks were unable reach the LNG loading facility at Ras Laffan. GAIL and IOC already reduce gas?supplies? to industrial customers, according to reports on Tuesday. According to government statistics, India imported 27 millions metric tons LNG in 2024/25. This is about half its total gas consumption. Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG. Separately, ONGC Petro Additions said it was operating its 'Dahej gas crinker in western 'India at a 'dramatically lower capacity due to falling supplies. It said that lower run rates at Dahej cracker would impact downstream petrochemical facilities.
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Officials say that Lloyd's Market is working with the US government on Gulf maritime plans
The Lloyd's market in London is in contact with the United States. The International Development Finance Corporation of the U.S. government is negotiating with Lloyd's Market officials about a plan to provide political risk assurance and guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf. Lloyd's engages constructively with U.S. Development Finance Corporation, and other relevant stakeholders. The market is focused on maintaining its position as the "global centre for excellence in war risk insurance." A Lloyd's spokesperson stated. Sheila Cameron, CEO of the Lloyd's Market Association (LMA), who represents all underwriting companies in the Lloyd's market, said in a separate statement that the LMA welcomed Donald Trump's engagement. Since Sunday, 1 March, at least 40 vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Cameron, citing statistics, said that there were still approximately 1,000 vessels in the Persian/Arabian Gulf, of which approximately half are oil and gasoline tankers. The combined hull value is more than $25 billion. Cameron said that the vast majority of the vessels in question were insured on the London market, and the insurance is still in place. Insurance broker Marsh said that it met with U.S. government officials on Wednesday to?explore? solutions for restoring maritime commerce. Trump announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Navy would be able to escort oil tankers across the Strait of Hormuz, if needed. He also said he had instructed the International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) to provide guarantees against political risks for maritime trade in the Gulf. As the conflict in the Middle East intensified, the London marine insurance market expanded the area it considers high-risk in the Gulf. (Reporting and editing by Jonathan Saul, Lisa Baertlein)
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Berkshire CEO talks about buybacks and own purchases of company shares
March 5 - Berkshire Hathaway CEO greg abel says that he spoke with his predecessor, warren buffett, before deciding to resume stock repurchases Abel claims that 'berkshires' disclosure of stock repurchases was a once-off event Abel has expressed disappointment in the kraft-heinz investment. However, the new ceo of the food company is taking the right approach when evaluating the future of kraft-heinz. Greg ?abel interview ends Abel claims that his purchase of Berkshire stock is to demonstrate alignment with investors, and he plans to?do it every year Abel claims that Buffett is "in the office" every day and they talk at least every two days if not every day. Abel said berkshire would act 'decisively' and 'quickly' if a major investment opportunity?arises Abel states that berkshire has no specific plans to reduce Kraft?heinz investments. Abel claims that berkshire’s pacificorp should?not?? take responsibility for a wildfire in 2020 caused by lightning Abel believes that repurchases are a way to create long-term value for shareholders. Abel claims that his purchase of 21 class a berkshire shares represents the 'after-tax value' of his annual salary Abel does not expect berkshire to pay a dividend to shareholders in the near future
Ministry says more than 20,000 Israelis have returned since the start of the Iran war
The Transportation Ministry announced on Thursday that more than 20,000 Israelis who are currently abroad have decided to return home since the start of the Iran Air War on Saturday.
Israel began to open its airspace 'Thursday' and allowed a few flights to land at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv.
Israel's airspace closed Saturday, at the beginning of the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. This triggered a missile barrage from Iran towards Israel, leaving tens thousands of passengers stranded overseas.
According to the ministry, 120,000 Israelis who are abroad want to return home. The operation to bring them back to Israel is expected to take between seven and ten days.
Israel's Population and Immigration Authority reported that nearly 300,000 Israelis had flown overseas in the past three months and airlines said tens and thousands of customers wanted to return.
The company said that it is working on expanding the options to enter and leave?Israel via air, land or sea crossings.
The majority of Israelis who have arrived in Israel so far have done so via land crossings to the Red Sea resort city Eilat.
Israeli Airlines has been operating flights to Eilat from European cities, including Taba in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan.
Israel's four airlines, El Al, Israir and Arkia, have started flights to Tel Aviv. These flights will continue. Airspace is gradually being opened but only incoming flights, with a maximum of one landing per hour, are allowed due to the frequent missiles fired by Iran.
"We're doing everything we can to get every Israeli back home safely," said Transport Minister Miri Regev. She was previously a Brigadier-General in the military.
She said: "With the opening up of the airspace, Israelis began to return to Israel. We continue to work around the clock with all parties in order to increase the options of returning to and leaving the country, according to security restrictions."
Israir, Arkia and El Al flights from Athens and Rome were the first to arrive. There are also plans to fly from other European cities, the United States, and Asia.
Ben Gurion said that outgoing flights will resume on Sunday, but at first they will be limited to only 50 passengers per flight.
Israel's airlines halted the sale of tickets between March 15 and 21 in order to accommodate customers whose flights had been cancelled when the airspace reopened. (Reporting and editing by Philippa Fetcher, William Maclean.
(source: Reuters)