Breslov Hasidim Face Flight Slot Crisis Ahead of Annual Uman Pilgrimage
As the annual airlift to Uman approaches, thousands of Breslov Hasidim are facing uncertainty due to a lack of flight slot approvals from Israel Airports Authority. The first travelers are expected to depart as early as Sunday, September 7, 2026, but many charter flights have yet to receive the necessary takeoff and landing time slots, particularly for departures between September 7-10 and returns between September 14-16. Airlines including Electra, Cyprus, Sky Up, Albastar, HiSky, and Fly One have warned they may cancel flights entirely due to regulatory and operational constraints.
Passengers who have already paid significant sums for tickets express growing anxiety and frustration. Jerusalem resident Nachman described the situation as "simply a nightmare," noting the pilgrimage has been a fixed annual event for nearly 40 years. Another traveler, Chaim from Beit Shemesh, criticized the lack of responsibility from authorities, highlighting that while Ben Gurion Airport handles tens of thousands daily during summer, the system collapses when it comes to Uman flights.
The issue extends beyond Israel’s borders, as flights are routed through neighboring countries like Romania due to the Ukraine war. These countries require finalized flight schedules in advance to manage border crossings, security, and transportation logistics. Without confirmed slots from Ben Gurion Airport, these plans cannot be coordinated, risking a logistical breakdown.
In response, many travelers have appealed to Rabbi Natan Ben Nun, chairman of the Breslov Union in Uman, to intervene and pressure the Israel Airports Authority to expedite approvals. Industry insiders warn that if the slot issue is not resolved within days, many pilgrims may be stranded at home during the holiday, facing significant financial losses from prepaid flights, food, and lodging in Uman. They call for the Israel Airports Authority to treat the Uman pilgrimage as a national event requiring proactive planning rather than last-minute crisis management.
