Arkia Flight Delay Leaves Passengers Stranded for Hours at Ben Gurion Airport

Passengers on an Arkia Airlines flight to Albania faced extensive delays, with their 3 PM departure pushed back multiple times, leading to an eight-hour wait for some.

Media personality Linoy Bar Gefen, who was among the stranded passengers, described chaotic scenes at Terminal 1 of Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). She reported that initial notifications pushed the departure to 7 PM, then to 11 PM. Bar Gefen detailed difficulties for passengers wishing to cancel their trip, stating they could not retrieve their checked luggage because no Arkia representative was available. When asked about the representative's arrival, staff reportedly said, "Maybe at ten, we don't know." Bar Gefen issued a warning: "Don't come near Ben Gurion Airport. Just don't."

The terminal was overcrowded, with passengers lying on the floor and waiting in long lines. While food vouchers were distributed, Bar Gefen noted hers was only valid for two hours, from 5 PM to 7 PM, and a long queue formed to redeem them at McDonald's. Passengers attempting to leave the airport also faced additional procedures, including being directed from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 to officially cancel their flight and await confirmation before departing.

Conflicting explanations were given for the delay. Bar Gefen was told it was due to airport congestion, while other passengers heard it was a mechanical issue. Arkia Airlines later stated the delay was caused by the late departure of a preceding flight and a delayed takeoff slot. The airline apologized for the inconvenience, stating they kept passengers informed and provided food vouchers.

In subsequent posts, Bar Gefen addressed public reactions, noting some blamed Arkia, while others questioned flying during holidays, with Arkia, or to Albania. She acknowledged comments suggesting delays are not unique to Arkia but mentioned other airlines' delays were shorter. Bar Gefen concluded by humorously reflecting on her long wait and being assigned a hotel room numbered 911 after finally departing.