Flight Canceled for Security Reasons? The Law May Still Entitle You to Compensation

A Hebrew legal explainer argues that passengers whose flights were canceled because of Israel’s security situation should not automatically give up their money. Published on June 24, 2026, and written with attorney Yitzhak Maimon, it says the wave of cancellations tied to the war in Gaza, Operation “With All Your Might,” Operation “Roar of the Lion,” and even the Houthi ballistic missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport left thousands of Israelis stranded abroad, forced to pay for replacement tickets, hotels and food, and often told by airlines to blame “force majeure” or the security situation.

The article says airlines cannot shift responsibility to travel agents. Citing Section 4 of the Aviation Services Law, it says the operating carrier remains fully liable even without a direct contract with the passenger. It points to the Ta’yar v. Israir case, where the court found a direct cause of action against the airline. The piece also warns about the February 2025 amendment tied to the “Iron Swords” wartime order, which removed statutory compensation based only on flight distance only during four specific windows, October 8 to November 30, 2023; April 12 to 18, 2024; August 3 to 8, 2024; and October 1 to 5, 2024. Outside those dates, it says, the amendment does not apply, and airlines still owe assistance such as lodging, food, and replacement tickets unless the transport minister issues a further order, which has not happened.

The article then lists recent rulings showing courts often reject airline defenses. In cases involving the Ben Gurion missile strike, courts said Ryanair did not prove special circumstances. In cases linked to Operation “With All Your Might,” courts held that El Al owed full assistance until passengers actually returned, and that passengers may choose between a refund and an alternative ticket. Other rulings cited include awards against El Al, Arkia, Blue Bird, Israir, Air Seychelles, Air Canada, Swiss, Air India, and Austrian Airlines, with compensation ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of shekels for missed flights, changed schedules, hotel and food costs, disclosure failures, and lack of alternatives.

The overall message is that passengers should not assume a cancellation caused by security conditions leaves them empty-handed. The article urges people to sue promptly, saying courts have repeatedly ordered airlines to pay substantial sums and that many claims succeed even during wartime.