El Al Cancels New York Flight at Last Minute Due to Airport Delays and Shabbat Restrictions

El Al Airlines canceled a flight from New York to Israel at the last moment on a busy Friday morning, after passengers had already boarded the plane. The cancellation was prompted by concerns that the flight would not land in Israel before the start of Shabbat, during which El Al does not operate flights. This decision highlights how operational disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport affect not only travelers in Israel but also those abroad, as delays in departure can impact arrival times.

The incident occurred amid one of the busiest days at Ben Gurion Airport in August, with over 100,000 passengers expected. The combination of summer travel peak and ongoing disruptions, including a strike by airport workers, has caused significant delays and changes to flight schedules. Passengers on the canceled New York flight had to disembark despite having their luggage on board, and the airline offered vouchers for future travel to those who chose not to fly that day.

El Al emphasized that these disruptions are beyond its control, stemming from the airport workers' strike and the operational challenges it creates. The airline's policy of not flying during Shabbat means that any Friday departures face tight scheduling constraints, increasing the risk of last-minute cancellations if delays occur. The situation underscores the broader impact of airport disruptions on international flights to Israel, especially during peak travel times and religious observance periods.