On Friday, 21 August 2026, El Al cancelled flight LY8 from JFK to Tel Aviv. Passengers were already on the plane.
What happened
According to Kikar HaShabbat, a departure delay meant the plane would only land at Ben Gurion after Shabbat began. The airline decided not to take off; the plane returned to the gate and passengers were taken off. No details of the replacement flight or arrangements were published at the time.
What passengers are owed in a case like this
A cancellation to avoid Shabbat exempts the airline from the fixed cash compensation – but not from the rest:
- A choice between a full refund and an alternative ticket.
- Assistance: a hotel and food for Shabbat, transfers and calls.
- Reimbursement of expenses passengers paid themselves.
There’s also an open question: if the original delay came from a technical or operational problem, passengers argue the exemption shouldn’t apply. That issue is pending in court.
Full explanation: Flight cancelled because of Shabbat – what you’re still owed.
General information, not legal advice. EinTisa is not a law firm.