Cancellation due to current conflict in Israel.

symphony63

I was booked on an EasyJet flight to TLV 15/04/2024 that was cancelled and rebooked for 17/04/2024 and subsequently cancelled indefinitely.
Am I entitled to compensation in accordance to Article 7.1 (c) of Regulation (EU) 261/2004 as retained in UK law?
I understand that EasyJet will claim 'extraordinary circumstances' due to the conflict but BA, LY, Wizz and many other EU airlines are still flying into TLV.
What are my chances of success? 

eskbanker

As the regulations clarify extraordinary circumstances as including:

Such circumstances may, in particular, occur in cases of political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes that affect the operation of an operating air carrier.

it won't be difficult for EasyJet to claim these to apply here - the fact that some other airlines have chosen to continue doesn't in itself mean that EasyJet's assessment of the situation should be the same.

If you claim and they reject it, you have the option of escalating to Aviation ADR if you disagree with their response, and/or ultimately court, so other opinions may come into play....

bagand96

The reality is easyJet have likely cancelled for a combination of commercial reasons and risk assessments.  But ultimately the conflict is the underlying reason, and that is beyond the control of easyJet.  Also worth pointing out that the UK FCO advise against all but essential travel to all of Israel.

I think your chances of compensation are slim, even if other carriers are flying.  You're of course entitled to a refund of your ticket, or if your travel was essential you'd have been entitled to re-routing on one of the carriers still flying.  Not sure if that ship has sailed or not now?