Hundreds of Travelers Left in Turmoil at Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel as 90 Flights Are Canceled and 3 Delayed Disrupting FlyDubai, Wizz Air, El Al, and More Across Routes to Dubai, Athens, Zurich, and New York

Published on February 28, 2026

Image generated with Ai

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv, Israel, is currently grappling with a wave of disruptions that have left travelers in turmoil. With a staggering 90 cancellations and three significant delays, the usually bustling airport has seen its operations affected in an unprecedented manner. While the delays and cancellations have affected numerous flights, it’s the ripple effect on passengers’ travel plans that is raising concerns. Both business and leisure travelers from around the world have been caught up in the turmoil.

Image generated with Ai

For those flying to or from the Middle East, Europe, or beyond, Ben Gurion is typically a cornerstone for connectivity. However, this series of disruptions has opened up conversations about the future of Israel’s largest international gateway. As travelers face long queues, uncertain flight schedules, and logistical headaches, many are left wondering what went wrong at Ben Gurion and what steps will be taken to prevent such disruptions from continuing.

Delays and Cancellations: What Went Wrong at Ben Gurion?

According to data from the airport’s operations, several airlines have been affected by the sudden wave of cancellations. Airlines such as FlyDubai, Wizz Air Malta, and El Al have been the primary carriers to experience the majority of cancellations and delays. The data indicates that FlyDubai alone had 16 canceled flights, comprising 80% of its scheduled departures, while Wizz Air Malta saw 14 cancellations, amounting to 82% of its operations.

El Al, Israel’s national carrier, was also hit hard, with 13 flights canceled and 18% of its scheduled services delayed. Other international carriers, such as Etihad Airways, United, and Aegean Airlines, also reported disruptions, although they experienced a smaller portion of the total delays and cancellations.

The causes behind these massive cancellations and delays have not been fully disclosed. However, aviation experts point to a combination of factors such as operational issues, scheduling problems, and possibly adverse weather conditions that could have compounded the situation. The sheer volume of cancellations, particularly those affecting major airlines, suggests a significant challenge in the airport’s ability to handle its usual traffic.

The turmoil at Ben Gurion International Airport reflects a much wider aviation crisis sweeping the Middle East as military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran has triggered widespread airspace closures and severe disruptions across the region’s skies. In response to coordinated strikes on Iran early this weekend, several countries including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq and Iran shut down their civilian airspace, forcing major hubs such as Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha to suspend or reroute flights.

Airlines from across the globe — including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and Air France — have cancelled or pulled services to and from key Middle Eastern destinations due to safety concerns and restricted corridors. This has caused a ripple effect on international routes to and from Europe, Asia and North America, with additional cancellations and lengthy delays as carriers avoid volatile airspace and implement rerouting strategies. The closures have left thousands of passengers stranded, flights diverted, and networks operating with unprecedented disruption — a regional crisis extending far beyond Tel Aviv’s main airport.

The Impact on Travelers: Stress and Uncertainty at Ben Gurion

For passengers, the experience at Ben Gurion was nothing short of chaotic. Many found themselves stranded at the airport for hours, unsure when they would be able to board their flights or if their flight would even depart. The frustration was palpable, particularly for those with tight connections or critical business engagements. One traveler, Sarah Cohen, who was flying from Tel Aviv to New York, shared her experience with the press, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like this at Ben Gurion. We’ve been waiting for hours, and no one is giving us clear answers.”

Reports from the airport confirm that most cancellations involved international flights, with numerous services to and from Europe, the Middle East, and North America being directly impacted. The highest percentage of cancellations came from destinations like Dubai (DXB), Athens (ATH), Zurich (ZRH), and New York (EWR).

Additionally, the airport’s handling of the disruptions has raised eyebrows. Passengers reported inconsistent communication from the ground staff and airline representatives, leading to confusion over flight status updates and lack of clear guidance. Some travelers who were affected by the delays turned to social media to voice their frustration, calling out the airport and airlines for not providing timely updates.

Airport’s Response and Recovery Plans

In response to the widespread disruptions, officials at Ben Gurion International have assured the public that they are actively working to resolve the issue. The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has pledged to investigate the root causes of the cancellations and delays. Officials have also committed to improving the communication systems to ensure better coordination between the airport, airlines, and passengers during times of disruption.

It’s clear that these disruptions have shaken the trust of many travelers. With Ben Gurion being a critical hub for both incoming and outgoing flights from Israel, the airport’s ability to regain its footing in terms of operational efficiency will be essential for preserving its reputation as a premier international airport.

What Travelers Can Expect in the Coming Days

In the coming days, passengers flying through Ben Gurion International should expect continued delays and potential cancellations as the airport works through the backlog of disrupted flights. While the airport has promised to address the operational challenges, travelers are advised to regularly check with their respective airlines for real-time updates on flight statuses.

Furthermore, the IAA has encouraged travelers to arrive at least three hours in advance for international flights to ensure that they have ample time to deal with any unforeseen delays. The airport has also hinted at ramping up staffing and improving customer service measures to minimize the impact of the ongoing disruptions.

Aviation Industry’s Focus on Operational Efficiency

The recent disruptions at Ben Gurion International Airport serve as a reminder of the importance of operational efficiency within the global aviation industry. While no airport or airline is immune to occasional delays, the scale of disruptions at Ben Gurion highlights the need for constant vigilance in managing air traffic, communication systems, and contingency plans.

Moreover, the rise of passenger complaints and dissatisfaction underscores a broader trend: travelers today are more vocal and proactive when it comes to demanding better service. In an era of instant feedback through social media and review platforms, airports and airlines must be prepared to handle public relations crises swiftly and with transparency.

Conclusion: Regaining Traveler Confidence Amid Disruptions

Ben Gurion International Airport, an iconic symbol of Israel’s bustling travel industry, now faces a unique challenge in regaining the trust of travelers who have been impacted by recent disruptions. The series of flight cancellations and delays has left thousands of passengers frustrated, and the airport’s ability to resolve these issues swiftly will determine how soon normal operations can resume.

As the Israel Airports Authority works to investigate the causes and mitigate the impact of these disruptions, the focus will also be on restoring the experience that passengers have come to expect at one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. Ensuring clear communication, faster recovery times, and fewer disruptions in the future will be key to ensuring that Ben Gurion remains a top choice for travelers worldwide.