Israel will ban the use of the Boeing 747 and similar four-engine aircraft from March 31, 2023 to reduce noise and air pollution, Reuters reported.

As part of a broader environmental improvement plan being developed, authorities have already told airlines that they will not be able to land large aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv from the 2023 summer season.

The directive is intended primarily for cargo aircraft, as most carriers have stopped using Boeing 747s and other four-engine aircraft on routes to Israel.

Flag carrier El Al has already retired its Boeing 747 fleet and is using twin-engine Boeing 777s and 787s on long haul routes. Competitors also use these Boeing aircraft or comparable Airbus aircraft.

The operation of aircraft with four engines will be permitted in exceptional cases and only with a special permit.