Israeli Airlines Ease Cancellation Rules Due to Rising Regional Uncertainty

Israeli airlines on Sunday announced temporary changes to their cancellation policies, easing terms for passengers due to heightened regional uncertainty driven primarily by tensions with Iran. The moves come as travelers increasingly seek reassurance that they can adjust plans if security conditions deteriorate.

Ben Gurion Airport continues to operate normally, and no official directive has been issued to halt flights. However, airlines report a surge in inquiries from concerned passengers, reflecting broader anxiety over potential escalation in the region. The situation recalls the June 2025 conflict between Israel and Iran, when Israeli airspace was effectively shut for nearly two weeks, leaving tens of thousands stranded abroad.

El Al said it would allow customers booking new tickets over the next two weeks to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure and receive a full credit voucher, with no cancellation fees. The policy applies to departures and arrivals across El Al’s network through March 17. 

“El Al will continue to operate to be the air bridge to and from Israel, and to offer flexible and accessible solutions to our customer base and the general public,” the airline said. El Al also announced it would reinforce its customer-service call centers beginning Monday to handle the high volume of requests from passengers seeking changes to existing bookings.

Arkia introduced a similar measure for passengers holding flight-only bookings scheduled between January 26 and February 9. Under the temporary policy, customers can cancel up to 48 hours before departure without paying cancellation fees and receive a credit voucher. 

Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz said the airline has drawn lessons from “two complex years” of security-related disruptions and upgraded its operational readiness. He said Arkia has established a dedicated situation room to make real-time decisions, prepared alternative flight plans for changing scenarios, and stands ready to add flights to key destinations in Europe and the United States if conditions and demand require.

Israir opted for a different approach. The carrier is offering passengers the option to purchase a “cancellation shield” for $35 per passenger. This add-on allows cancellations for any reason up to three days before departure, instead of the usual seven-day window. The policy applies to new flight-only bookings made between January 26 and the end of February.

The Israeli carriers’ announcements come as some foreign airlines adjust operations in the region. Dutch airline KLM said it has suspended flights to Tel Aviv and several other Middle Eastern destinations and is avoiding large swaths of regional airspace until further notice. Air France briefly suspended flights to Dubai before resuming service, saying it is monitoring developments in the Middle East in real time.

Israeli transportation officials said no instruction has been given to airlines to suspend operations and that Israel’s skies remain open. Authorities added they are in ongoing contact with international counterparts to limit wider disruption, even as airlines respond to security uncertainty and elevated passenger demand.