Cancer Patients Stranded in Geneva Criticize Arkia Over Flight Cancellation and Poor Support

The CEO of the Israeli nonprofit "Mechubarim Plus," Yaakov Hershkovitz, sharply criticized Arkia Airlines following the cancellation of a flight from Geneva to Israel that stranded a group of cancer patients. The group, who were on an eight-day trip in the French Alps designed to provide hope and strength in coping with their hematologic-oncologic illnesses, faced significant delays and inadequate support after their return flight was canceled due to weather conditions.

The group was scheduled to fly from Geneva on Monday at 7 p.m., but after a three-hour drive and check-in, they were informed the plane was diverted to Lyon because of weather. The flight was ultimately canceled late at night, leaving patients, some needing urgent medical treatments the next day, without proper assistance for hours. Hershkovitz described a "human failure" in the airline's response, citing lack of basic provisions such as water, food vouchers, and clear communication. Most patients keep kosher, and suitable food was not initially provided.

Thanks to the nonprofit's efforts, the group was eventually accommodated together in a hotel near 1 a.m., but even then, the crisis continued. A local Jewish resident brought kosher food at 2:30 a.m., allowing the patients to eat for the first time since the afternoon. The group had to arrange about 18 taxis at their own expense to transport themselves and their equipment to the hotel, with the airline promising reimbursement. The rescue flight was delayed by two more hours the following day. Hershkovitz lamented the airline's lack of empathy, noting no company representative contacted or met the group during the ordeal.

Arkia responded that extreme weather closed Geneva airport for about 90 minutes, forcing the diversion to Lyon. Due to crew duty limits, the return flight could not continue. The airline said its management and staff worked through the night to assist passengers, providing kosher meals, hotel accommodations, and continuous updates. Arkia's CEO maintained direct contact with the group leader. The airline confirmed the rescheduled flight from Geneva to Tel Aviv departed at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday using a special aircraft.

Hershkovitz hopes this incident will serve as a lesson in crisis management, emphasizing that genuine service is measured in difficult moments and that human care is as important as operational success.