Travelers Disrupted at Ben Gurion International Airport as El Al and Aegean Airlines Cancel Two Flights Amid Several Delays, Affecting Major Routes Across the UK, UAE, Netherlands, Greece, US and Beyond

Written By: Pamela Das

Pamela Das

I'm Pamela Das, an SEO Content Writer at Travel and Tour World, a leading travel and tourism news portal based in Kolkata, where I work on crafting engaging, search-optimized editorial content for a global travel audience. Alongside my professional role, I'm pursuing an MA in Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University, expected in 2027, which reflects my deep and abiding interest in literature, language, and cross-cultural storytelling.

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May 28, 2026 2:01 AM

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Travelers faced fresh disruption at Ben Gurion International Airport after El Al and Aegean Airlines decided to cancel two flights amid several operational delays affecting major international routes. As a result, passengers travelling across the UK, UAE, Netherlands, Greece, US and beyond experienced longer waiting times, missed connections and growing uncertainty throughout the day. Meanwhile, airport operations remained under pressure as dozens of delayed services continued to impact both departing and arriving travelers. The situation also reflected wider operational strain across key European and Middle Eastern aviation corridors. In addition, airlines worked to manage scheduling challenges while ground teams attempted to reduce congestion inside terminals. However, the combination of cancellations and several delays created further inconvenience for international passengers using Tel Aviv as a major regional gateway. Consequently, travelers were advised to monitor flight schedules closely and remain in contact with their airlines for the latest updates.

Affected Cities

Flight disruptions and operational delays were reported across multiple international cities linked to major tourism and aviation networks, including Tel Aviv, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Zanzibar, Boston, Newark, New York City, Miami, Sofia, Larnaca, Paphos, Barcelona, Madrid, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Catania, Milan, Rome, Naples, Prague, Eilat, Salzburg, Vienna, Porto, Bucharest, Zurich, Chisinau, Tivat, Abu Dhabi, Tbilisi, Sochi, Bangkok, Los Angeles, Addis Ababa, Budapest, Venice, Batumi and Mineralnye Vody. The highest concentration of delays was recorded in Tel Aviv, Athens, Heraklion and Paris, while several European leisure and Mediterranean gateway cities also experienced operational pressure, affecting regional and long-haul connectivity for international travellers.

Flight Cancellations

Overview of Flight Cancellations

On May 28, 2026, flight operations at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv experienced notable disruption as airlines reported cancellations and widespread delays across several international routes. According to the provided operational data, El Al cancelled one flight while recording fifty-seven delayed services, representing a significant 33 percent delay rate and indicating mounting operational pressure on its network. Meanwhile, Aegean Airlines also cancelled one flight and reported additional delays, further affecting passenger movement between Israel, Greece and other connecting destinations. The disruption extended across multiple aviation hubs in Europe, the Middle East and North America, including cities in the UK, UAE, Netherlands, Greece and the US. Major airports in Athens, Paris, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Amsterdam and New York also recorded delays, highlighting broader connectivity challenges affecting regional and long-haul international travel throughout the day.

What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide

Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:

Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.

Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.

Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.

Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.

Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.

The operational disruption at Ben Gurion International Airport on May 28, 2026, highlighted the growing pressure facing international airlines and airport networks during peak travel movements. Flight cancellations by El Al and Aegean Airlines, combined with widespread delays across Europe, the Middle East and North America, created significant inconvenience for travelers. Major aviation hubs including Athens, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and New York also experienced service interruptions, affecting both regional and long-haul connectivity. As airlines continue managing operational and scheduling challenges, passengers are expected to remain alert for further updates, delays and potential changes to international flight schedules.

Authors Observation: All information is manually obtained from FlightAware’s official website, and all operations are subject to change based on real-time updates. In order to maintain safety, airlines actively modify schedules and itineraries. In order to get to their destinations safely, passengers are asked not to panic in such situations and to look for alternate travel choices. Relying on real-time updates, reviewing airline rebooking restrictions, and maintaining flexibility with travel plans are all highly recommended.

Source: FlightAware