Flydubai Passengers May Seek Up To 630,000 Shekels Compensation

Passengers aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which experienced a thwarted hijacking attempt, may be eligible for compensation up to approximately 630,000 shekels (around $170,000 USD) per person. This maximum payout is based on the Montreal Convention, which sets a limit of 151,880 special drawing rights per passenger. However, legal experts emphasize that compensation will not be automatic. Each affected individual must individually prove the damages they sustained.

Aviation lawyer Ehud Pay explained that the Montreal Convention governs carrier liability to passengers. He noted that Israeli courts, referencing a precedent from the Entebbe hostage rescue operation, recognize aircraft hijacking as an official aviation incident. This legal framework allows claims to include not only physical injuries but also severe psychological trauma experienced by passengers.

Experts advise passengers, especially children, to monitor their health closely, as psychological effects may not be immediately apparent. Specialist observation for children might be necessary for six months to a year. Given the convention's two-year statute of limitations, passengers are urged to document any health deterioration and gather medical records promptly.

Beyond claims against the airline, there is discussion regarding potential negligence by Israeli government agencies. Questions have arisen about how a co-pilot with a questionable background was allowed to fly to Ben Gurion Airport. While the Tax Authority claims to have provided crew lists to relevant ministries, the Ministry of Transport denies receiving this information. If Israeli authorities are found negligent in their oversight, passengers could also file claims against the state. Nevertheless, the most direct route for compensation remains through lawsuits against Flydubai. If claims exceed the convention's standard limits, the airline would need to prove it was not negligent.