Since the start of the ‘Open Skies’ program in Israel some two years ago, the Hungarian airline Wizz Air has joined the airlines providing service to and from Israel. It is one of the new low-cost airlines operating in Israel.

One of the passengers who recently ordered tickets was surprised to learn that the date of takeoff was on Yom Kippur, and the traveler’s credit card was billed €127.

It is no secret to the airline industry that Ben-Gurion International Airport is closed to all incoming and outgoing flights on Yom Kippur. Hence, the passenger who was billed was somewhat perplexed regarding the scheduled flight.

The Rosh Ha’ayin resident explained to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that she wanted to take a brief vacation around the Yomim Tovim, flying to Budapest, Hungary.

After receiving the flight confirmation, the woman took account to see exactly when she would be leaving. She was quite surprised to realize that the date coincided with Yom Kippur.

When she contacted the airline, explaining that she will not be able to fly on the date reserved, telling the agent she wants to change her flight, she was told she would have to pay a surcharge for changing the flight.

A Wizz Air representative told Galei Tzahal that the airline apologizes for any anguish caused to the woman and confirmed that all flights in and out of Israel are canceled between the eighth and 9 October 2019 from 2:30 PM in the afternoon on October 8 until 10:30 PM on October 9. Hence the flight in question is obviously canceled. The company representative added that the woman would receive a refund and would not be charged any additional charges for rebooking.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)