Israeli passengers can still sue airlines over wartime flight cancellations

A Hebrew legal guide published June 24, 2026 argues that passengers whose flights were canceled because of Israel’s security situation should not give up compensation. It says wars and military incidents, including the "Swords of Iron" war, the "With All My Heart" and "Roar of the Lion" operations, and even the fall of a Houthi ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport, triggered mass cancellations that left travelers stranded abroad and paying thousands of shekels for replacement tickets, hotels, and food.

The article says airlines often hide behind phrases such as "force majeure" or "security situation," but Israeli law and courts frequently side with passengers. It cites Section 4 of the Aviation Services Law, which makes the operating carrier responsible even without a direct contract with the traveler, and it relies on the ruling in Ta'yar v. Israir, where the court found a direct cause of action against the airline. It also emphasizes that under the law the airline, not the travel agent, remains liable for service failures.

The guide explains that a February 2025 amendment, the temporary "Swords of Iron" order, removed the statutory compensation tied to flight distance only during four limited periods, October 8 to November 30, 2023; April 12 to April 18, 2024; August 3 to August 8, 2024; and October 1 to October 5, 2024. Outside those dates, the exemption does not apply, and even during them airlines still owe assistance such as accommodation, food, and a replacement ticket. The transport minister was given authority to expand the relief, but no such order has been issued.

The article then surveys court decisions that rejected airline defenses and awarded compensation. Among them, Ryanair was denied relief over a cancellation tied to a missile strike at Ben Gurion, El Al was required to provide full assistance after "With All My Heart," and several cases ordered payments for delays, cancellations, disclosure failures, and the cost of alternative flights. Awards cited include 5,386 shekels plus 607 shekels in costs against El Al, 35,580 shekels against Air Canada, 49,115 shekels against SWISS, 23,600 shekels in a Budapest route case, and 20,790 shekels in another SWISS matter. The article closes by urging passengers to act now, saying they should not surrender money they are legally owed.