Arkia Cancels Japan Flights, Faces Class Action Lawsuit

Israeli airline Arkia has canceled its new direct flights to Japan, prompting a class action lawsuit filed by passengers who had already purchased tickets. The lawsuit, submitted to the Central District Court, alleges that Arkia sold tickets for the route before securing the necessary approvals from Japanese authorities. According to the plaintiffs, thousands of Israelis bought tickets for the new service, making travel arrangements such as booking vacation days and hotels, without being informed that the flights lacked official authorization.

The plaintiffs claim Arkia waited until the last possible moment to inform passengers of the cancellations, allegedly to avoid paying statutory compensation under the Civil Aviation Services Law. They assert that any further delay would have obligated the airline to pay significant compensation to each passenger.

Arkia has denied the allegations. In a statement, the airline said it had not yet officially received the lawsuit and would address it upon receipt. Arkia stated that it rejects the claims outright and has acted and will continue to act in accordance with all required procedures and directives. The company added that it is continuing to work with relevant parties and hopes to launch the flights to Japan soon.