- Flight Disruptions
- Ben Gurion Airport disruption: 90 cancellations and 3 delays on 28 Feb 2026
Ben Gurion Airport disruption: 90 cancellations and 3 delays on 28 Feb 2026
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on March 23, 2026
93
Affected flights
16
Affected airlines
93
Affected flights
16
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv recorded 90 cancellations and 3 delays on 28 February 2026, impacting airlines including FlyDubai, Wizz Air Malta, El Al, Etihad, United and others. International routes to Dubai, Athens, Zurich and New York were among those hit. The Israel Airports Authority said it will investigate causes and improve communication, while advising passengers to check directly with their airline and arrive early. Disruptions could continue as the airport clears backlogs.
Disruption details
What Happened
Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv experienced a severe day of disruption on 28 February 2026, with 90 flights canceled and 3 delayed. Passengers reported long waits, unclear flight statuses, and inconsistent updates. Most affected services were international, including routes to Dubai, Athens, Zurich, and New York.
Airlines Affected
The disruption involved multiple carriers operating at Ben Gurion. Reported impacts included:
FlyDubai: 16 cancellations (80% of schedule), 2 delays
Wizz Air Malta: 14 cancellations (82%)
El Al: 13 cancellations (18%), no delays reported
Etihad Airways: 8 cancellations (66%)
Wizz Air: 8 cancellations (61%)
United: 6 cancellations (all scheduled flights canceled)
Aegean Airlines: 3 cancellations (75%)
Additional airlines reported 100% or significant cancellations, including Delta, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Helvetic, Swiss, Smartwings, Air Europa, Blue Bird Airways, and Hainan Airlines.
Routes and Destinations Impacted
Metrics by destination highlighted broad international impacts from Ben Gurion:
Ben Gurion: 40 cancellations (26%) and 2 delays (1%) overall on the day
Dubai: 9 cancellations (81%)
Zurich: 3 cancellations (100%); Abu Dhabi: 3 (50%); Rome Fiumicino: 3 (60%); Budapest: 3 (60%)
Paris CDG: 2 cancellations (66%); Newark: 2 (66%); Milan Malpensa: 2 (66%)
Bangkok: 1 cancellation (50%) and 1 delay (33%); Prague: 1 cancellation (50%) plus a delay; London Heathrow: 1 cancellation (50%) plus a delay
Barcelona, Madrid, Shenzhen, Amsterdam: 1 cancellation each (100%)
Advice for Passengers
Travelers were advised to check flight status directly with their airline and arrive at least three hours before international departures.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
93
Airlines affected
Flydubai, Wizz Air Malta, El Al Israel Airlines, Etihad Airways, Wizz Air, United Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air France, British Airways, KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines, Helvetic Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, SmartWings, Air Europa, Hainan Airlines
Cities affected
Tel Aviv
Countries affected
Israel
Start date
2026-02-28
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
March 23, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
