Flight Delayed or Cancelled to or from Israel? The Aviation Services Law
Israel has its own passenger rights law: the Aviation Services Law (Compensation and Assistance for Flight Cancellation or Change of Conditions), 5772-2012, sometimes called the "Tibi Law." It applies to flights departing from or arriving in Israel, on Israeli and foreign airlines, including charter flights.
Delays: what the law sets by length
The law looks at how late the flight takes off compared with the time on your ticket:
- 2 hours or more: food and drink suited to the wait, and communication services.
- 5 hours or more (but under 8): in addition, a choice between a refund and an alternative ticket. If the alternative flight leaves the next day, a hotel and transportation are added.
- 8 hours or more: the flight is treated as cancelled, and the cancellation rules below apply.
Cancellations
For a cancelled flight (including a flight that took off 8+ hours late), the law provides assistance, a choice between a refund and an alternative ticket, and fixed compensation set by distance, unless an exception applies.
The base amounts written in the 2012 law are NIS 1,250 (up to 2,000 km), NIS 2,000 (2,000–4,500 km), and NIS 3,000 (over 4,500 km). The law updates these every January 1 by the consumer price index; the figures published for 2026 are reported as NIS 1,530, NIS 2,450, and NIS 3,670. Check the official publication for the current year.
The compensation part may not apply when, for example, the passenger was told early enough and offered a suitable alternative, the cancellation came from special circumstances outside the airline's control that it could not prevent, a protected strike, or a cancellation to avoid desecrating the Sabbath or a holiday. Assistance and the refund-or-alternative choice can still apply.
If you also have EU rights
On flights between Europe and Israel, EU Regulation 261/2004 may also apply. The law says you cannot receive the same type of benefit twice under both laws. See our EU261 guide and Europe guides.
Main airports and airlines
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) handles most international traffic; Ramon Airport (ETM) near Eilat handles some flights. Airlines include El Al, Israir, Arkia, and the many foreign airlines serving Tel Aviv.
Where to complain
Start with a written request to the airline or the flight organizer; the law sets deadlines for the airline to respond to written requests. The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel, part of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, oversees the law: gov.il Civil Aviation Authority. The full law is listed on the Knesset legislation database: main.knesset.gov.il. Unresolved disputes can go to small claims court.
FAQ
Is a 6-hour delay treated as a cancellation in Israel? No. A flight is treated as cancelled when it takes off 8 hours or more late. At 5 hours you can choose a refund or an alternative ticket.
Does the law cover foreign airlines? Yes. It applies to flights to and from Israel whatever the airline's nationality.
Can the airline give me a voucher instead? Under the law, a voucher in place of money requires your written agreement. You can decline.
Related guides
- Flight cancelled? What to ask for
- Missed a connection because of a delay?
- Flight delay rules around the world
Create your letter
Delay Draft writes a clear, professional letter that you send to the airline yourself. It lists your flight, the times, the cause you were given, and the rule you are relying on. We are not a law firm, we do not give legal advice, and we do not file claims for you. Questions: claims@delaydraft.com.