A flight delay experienced by Arab MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi has led to the Knesset Economic Committee to discuss a bill that addresses under what conditions airline passengers are entitled to lodging and/or other forms of compensation.

MK (Yahadut HaTorah) Menachem Eliezer Moses addressed the unique situation of El Al, stating the law must address the carrier’s situation so “it is not penalized due to shabbos”. Moses explained that if a flight is delayed for technical reasons, and after repairs it is clear that if the flight takes off it will be transgressing shabbos, then the flight must be held, as is the practice, and the airline should not have to make compensatory payment for if not, the airline will seek to fly on shabbos to avoid additional financial loss.

Tibi’s effort to compel compensatory payment dates back to July 2009, when YWN-Israel reported on the incident that prompted him to act.

Following Moses’ remarks, Tibi stated the shabbos legislation can be worked into a bill along with other delays which are not the fault of the airline, such as the airport’s operating hours, closing at 1:30am in the case of Ben-Gurion International Airport. Tibi stated if the airport is closed, one should not be permitted to demand payment from an airline.

Both MKs, Moses and Tibi, agreed to work together to present a mutually agreed upon text for the bill.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)