El Al to Send Emergency Rescue Flights for Hundreds Of Uman Travelers Stuck in Europe

Since Rosh Hashanah, severe delays have been reported at border crossings from Ukraine into neighboring countries. The disruptions have caused mass travel problems and flight cancellations, leaving thousands of Breslov chassidim and other travelers stranded at airports across Europe.

EL AL announced later Friday it will operate a dedicated rescue flight from Bucharest to Israel for hundreds of the travelers delayed due to “significant delays at border crossings that led to the cancellation of their flights on foreign airlines,” the airline said in a statement provided to Belaaz.

El Al said the move came following discussions with Shas Chairman, MK Rabbi Aryeh Deri, the Minister of Transportation, and the Minister of Finance, emphasizing the airline’s goal of “providing an immediate response and assisting in the return of passengers to Israel.”

The airline confirmed the rescue flight will depart on Saturday evening from Bucharest, operated on “one of the company’s largest aircraft, with more than 300 seats offered to the organizers of the original canceled flights.”EL AL assured the public that it will “continue to work to assist Israelis who find themselves in emergency situations around the world, and provide them with a safe way to return home.”

The situation became more serious when four flights scheduled to depart from Tulcea and Mihai airports were canceled. Officials explained the cancellations were due to “crew burnout,” a regulation that prevents pilots and flight staff from continuing to work after exceeding their maximum allowed hours.

Travel agencies Netivim Tours and Derech Tzadikim said they had worked extensively to try to secure additional flights, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

In the meantime, the agencies have shifted their focus to preparing accommodations and Shabbos meals. “At the same time, we have been working since noon to organize accommodation and Shabbos meals for our customers who are forced to stay in Romania. Our buses will pick up passengers from the airport in Tulcea (and from the waiting hall), from the Orlibca and Miaschi borders, and will transfer them to the Shabbos accommodation points, where we will provide Shabbos meals. Passengers who are organizing a stay for Shabbos are asked to follow our messages to be updated on the details of the new flights we have closed,” the companies said.

Tents have been set up for many of the stranded travelers, who will be spending Shabbos in temporary housing. Others are expected to stay in organized guest facilities.

The travel agencies confirmed that passengers will return to Israel on flights already arranged for Motzaei Shabbos and Sunday morning, departing from several different airports.

Earlier this week it was reported that the long and exhausting return journeys from Uman had turned into days of confusion and waiting. Many Israelis have been stuck on roads spanning Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Moldova. Some are trying to find alternate routes home, while many others have decided to remain where they are until after Shabbos to avoid being stranded en route.