Airlines Sue Israel Over Passenger Compensation After Iran Conflict
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Airlines including El Al and Air France are suing the Israeli government to avoid compensating passengers for flights canceled during Operation "Lion's Roar" against Iran. The carriers argue that the 40-day airspace closure, the longest in Israeli history, constitutes an "extraordinary circumstance." They are seeking exemption from the "Tibi Law's" compensation requirements, which mandate significant payouts for canceled flights.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Airlines are suing the Israeli government to avoid compensating passengers for flights canceled during Operation "Lion's Roar."
- The lawsuit targets the "Tibi Law," which mandates compensation for canceled flights.
- Operation "Lion's Roar" led to a 40-day closure of Israeli airspace.
- Airlines argue the closure was an "extraordinary circumstance" exempting them from compensation.
- The petition includes major carriers like El Al, Air France, KLM, and Delta Air Lines.
A coalition of airlines, including El Al, Air France, KLM, and Delta Air Lines, has filed a lawsuit against the Israeli government, seeking to overturn their obligation to compensate passengers for flights canceled during Operation "Lion's Roar" against Iran. The airlines are petitioning the High Court of Justice (BAGATS) to be absolved of these compensation duties and to secure guarantees against similar payouts for future conflict-related cancellations. The petition, reported by Ynet, also includes IATA, Etihad, Aegean, and Bulgaria Air, along with tourism industry representatives.
According to the airlines, regular passenger flights to and from Israel were effectively halted for 40 days starting February 28, coinciding with the military operation. They describe this as the longest airspace closure in the country's history and warn of potential recurrence.
The lawsuit centers on Israel's Aviation Services Law, known as the "Tibi Law." This law mandates airlines to provide passengers with basic assistance, such as food, drinks, and accommodation, and to offer refunds or alternative flights within 21 days. It also allows for additional compensation of 1530-3670 shekels for flight cancellations without proof of damage.
While the law permits airlines to avoid compensation during "extraordinary circumstances" if assistance and refunds are provided, a 2025 amendment allows the Transportation Minister to temporarily ease these requirements for emergencies lasting over 14 days, subject to Knesset approval. This decree can limit hotel stays to two nights and reroute passengers through nearby airports like Larnaca or Athens.
The airlines argue that these provisions were not applied during Operation "Lion's Roar," leading to numerous passenger lawsuits against them. They are asking the court to exempt them from their legal obligations for cancellations caused by the government-mandated airspace closure.
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