Fifteen international airlines refuse return to Israel without new 'compensation laws'
Israeli law requires airlines to compensate travelers by paying them hundreds of dollars when flights are canceled, even for security reasons
Fifteen international airlines are threatening to halt flights to Israel unless a law mandating compensation for canceled flights is changed, saying that the current security situation due to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon makes operations too risky and costly, Haaretz reported on 5 November.
The airlines involved include Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Iberia, EasyJet, and Wizz Air.
They have formally requested amendments to the 2012 Aviation Services Law through an appeal to the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee.
The law requires airlines to compensate passengers between $260-$400 for cancellations made less than 14 days before departure.
Since 7 October last year, international carriers have been forced to cancel numerous flights at short notice. Many have chosen to suspend flights for brief or extended periods in response to intermittent rocket, missile, and drone fire from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemeni forces.
The risks have significantly increased in recent weeks as Iran and Israel have traded tit-for-tat missile and drone attacks.
Shirley Katzir, an attorney representing the airlines, said her clients face significant financial risks and have little incentive to resume flights to Israel amid the war unless changes to the law are made.
Roughly 30 airlines have suspended service to Israel, including Air France, Lufthansa, and LOT Polish Airlines – with plans to resume flights on various dates in November.
American Airlines has suspended flights until September 2025, while British Airways, Ryanair, Delta Air Lines, and EasyJet choose not to resume service until March 2025.
The airlines stated that the current Aviation Security Law, including some recent amendments, “do not provide an adequate response to the need for dealing with the implications of the current state of emergency on the aviation industry in Israel."