The complete guide to passenger rights — when are you eligible, how much, and how to claim.
The Israeli Aviation Services Law (the "Tibi Law") grants you fixed financial compensation for a cancellation or significant delay of a flight — regardless of the ticket price. The amounts are determined by distance and apply to all flights to and from Israel, including foreign airlines.
What Is the Aviation Services Law?
The Israeli law provides broad protection to passengers on flights to and from Israel. Unlike European legislation (EU261), the Israeli law also covers flights by foreign companies and charter flights.
The law applies to international flights (any flight departing from or arriving in Israel), connections (flights with layovers), and domestic flights (between airports in Israel).
Compensation Amounts by Distance
Up to 2,000 km: ₪1,530 (e.g. Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Egypt).
2,000–4,500 km: ₪2,450 (e.g. Romania, France, Germany, Spain).
Over 4,500 km: ₪3,670 (e.g. New York, India, Thailand).
Amounts are fixed by law and do not depend on the ticket price, even for low-cost flights.
When Am I Eligible?
Flight delay — you are eligible for compensation when the flight is delayed by 8 hours or more from the original scheduled time.
Flight cancellation — in case of a cancelled flight, you are eligible unless the airline notified you at least 14 days before the scheduled date.
Advanced flight — if the flight was advanced by more than 8 hours and the company notified you less than 14 days in advance, you are eligible.
Exemptions — airlines are exempt in 'extraordinary circumstances' (extreme weather, security risks), protected strikes, or unexpected and unusual technical faults. The burden of proof is on the airline.
The European Law — EU261/2004
In addition to the Israeli law, there is also European Law EC 261/2004 which protects passengers on flights from Europe (any airline) or to Europe (European airlines). The main difference: the European law grants compensation for delays of just 3–4 hours (instead of 8 hours in Israel). Compensation ranges from €250 to €600.
You cannot claim under both laws simultaneously — you must choose the law that grants the highest compensation for your specific case.
How to Claim Compensation
1. Gather evidence — keep tickets, boarding passes, emails, and receipts for expenses.
2. Contact the airline — send an official written request detailing the flight and compensation required.
3. Wait for reply — the airline has 45 days to respond according to the law.
4. Small claims — if refused, you can file in small claims court without a lawyer (limitation period: 4 years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to claim? Not necessarily — claims for small amounts can be filed in small claims court without a lawyer.
Can the airline offer a voucher instead of money? The company can offer a voucher, but cannot force it on you. You are entitled to demand full monetary compensation.
What if the flight was cancelled due to weather? Extreme weather is considered 'extraordinary circumstances' and the company may be exempt from financial compensation. However, you are still entitled to assistance (food, hotel, alternative flight).
Is compensation added to the ticket refund? Yes — in case of flight cancellation, if you chose not to fly on an alternative flight, you are entitled to both a full refund of the ticket money and financial compensation.