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Tens of thousands of Israelis who were stranded abroad when the war began have already returned home, according to new figures released Wednesday by the Israel Airports Authority.

The data was published as part of Operation “Wings of the Lion,” the effort launched to bring back large numbers of Israelis who were overseas when Operation “Shaagas HaAri” began.

According to the Airports Authority, between March 5 and March 10 a total of 215 flights landed at Ben Gurion Airport, carrying approximately 38,867 passengers returning to Israel.

Officials said that additional arrivals are expected throughout the day. Around 40 more flights are scheduled to land Wednesday, bringing roughly 6,250 more passengers back to the country. During the same period, about 13,000 travelers departed from Ben Gurion Airport on flights operated by Israeli airlines.

Passenger traffic has also increased significantly at Israel’s land border crossings since the war began. Between February 28 and March 10, crossings through Begin (Taba), Rabin (Arava), the Jordan River crossing, and Allenby Bridge saw heavy movement.

During that time, approximately 26,500 travelers entered Israel through those crossings, while about 33,000 people exited the country.

Officials said that operations at Ben Gurion Airport as well as the land crossings are continuing around the clock in order to facilitate the safe return of Israeli citizens while also assisting passengers who need to leave the country.

The Israel Airports Authority said in a statement that it will continue to update the public with any relevant information as needed.

{Matzav.com}