Cyprus Airport Passengers Win Compensation After 18-Hour Abandonment by Airlines

In June 2024, four passengers flying from Larnaca Airport in Cyprus to Israel faced an 18-hour ordeal after a series of flight cancellations and airline failures left them stranded in harsh conditions. The passengers, who had booked their return tickets through Arkia Airlines, experienced multiple delays and confusing notifications. After their initial flight was canceled, a substitute flight was also canceled, with the final update arriving around 1:00 a.m., offering a new flight only the next morning.

During this extended wait, the passengers were left without their luggage, proper accommodation, or sufficient food, stuck in an abandoned terminal with minimal assistance from the airlines. Arkia blamed the situation on security concerns and the ongoing 'Iron Swords' military operation, while Tus Airlines, which operated the aircraft, cited an unforeseen rare cockpit window safety issue. However, the Petah Tikva Small Claims Court, led by Judge Michael Shmapel, rejected these defenses.

The court ruled both Arkia, as the ticket seller, and Tus, as the flight operator, responsible for the negligence. It highlighted their failure to provide timely information and assistance, and found no exceptional circumstances to exempt them from compensation. Each passenger was awarded statutory compensation of 1,000 shekels, along with legal costs and attorney fees. The ruling serves as a deterrent against similar airline negligence and aligns with recent judicial trends holding airlines accountable for passenger rights during prolonged cancellations.

This case underscores the legal obligation of airlines to support passengers during disruptions, emphasizing that no traveler should endure such neglect. The court's decision sends a clear message that airlines cannot evade responsibility for failures in service and communication during flight cancellations.