No Compensation for Passengers Stranded at Ben Gurion Airport Amid Disruptions
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Hundreds of thousands of passengers affected by last Thursday's disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport are not entitled to financial compensation under Israeli law, which exempts airlines from paying when cancellations stem from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control. Airlines must provide alternative flights and cover necessary expenses, but compensation claims are unlikely to succeed.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli law exempts airlines from compensating passengers for cancellations due to extraordinary events beyond their control.
- Passengers are entitled to alternative flights, meals, and lodging but not financial compensation for delays or cancellations.
- Hundreds of thousands were affected by last Thursday's disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport.
- Passengers can claim reimbursement for documented expenses directly from airlines.
- Legal expert David Shpachter says suing the Histadrut for compensation is unlikely to succeed.
- Airlines like Air France and El Al provided accommodations and alternative flights during the disruptions.
Hundreds of thousands of passengers faced flight cancellations, delays, and unexpected expenses at Ben Gurion Airport last Thursday, but they are unlikely to receive financial compensation. Israeli aviation law, known as the Tibi Law, protects passengers in cases of cancellations or delays but exempts airlines from paying compensation when disruptions result from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather, war, or strikes by external workers. These were the conditions that caused the recent chaos at the airport.
Attorney David Shpachter, who helped draft the Tibi Law, explained that while passengers theoretically can sue the Histadrut (Israel's labor federation), the chances of receiving compensation are minimal. Airlines remain obligated to provide alternative tickets and cover related expenses such as food, drinks, and lodging when necessary. For example, Air France passengers whose landing was canceled were accommodated with hotels and alternative flights, and El Al passengers from New York who had their flight postponed due to Sabbath observance also received lodging and meal expenses.
Passengers who did not receive assistance can still claim reimbursement for documented expenses directly from the airline. However, compensation for emotional distress or inconvenience caused by the disruptions is not supported under current law. Shpachter emphasized that the right to strike is strongly protected in Israel, making compensation claims against the Histadrut unlikely to succeed. Thus, while airlines must provide basic support, financial compensation for the widespread disruption at Ben Gurion Airport is not guaranteed under existing regulations.