Problems with the flight schedule to Uman raise concerns among pilgrims

Problems with passengers heading to Uman are becoming increasingly relevant for Israeli government bodies. The Ministries of Transport, Government, Jerusalem Affairs, as well as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Internal Security have issued a notice about possible disruptions in flight schedules from Ben Gurion Airport to Uman and back.

In the latest statement, officials pointed to frequent closures and disruptions in the airspace of Poland and Romania, motivated by violations from unmanned aerial vehicles.

Possible Flight Delays

Passengers traveling to Uman through the mentioned countries should consider the risk of delays. This may concern departures both from Israel and back. Sometimes delays can reach several hours, and in some cases, they may result in additional days of waiting.

Situation in the Aviation Market

A few days before Rosh Hashanah, hundreds of Hasidim face uncertainty in their trips to Uman. About 20 flights to Moldova — the main transit country from which Hasidim travel to Ukraine — are at risk of cancellation. Meanwhile, many tickets have already been sold, and flights booked.

Moldovan aviation authorities informed companies that they might not approve additional bookings, creating difficulties for existing routes. Israeli diplomats continue to work with Moldovan authorities to ensure the execution of flights.

Official Measures and Expectations

The Israeli government, through competent organizations, is actively interacting with relevant aviation structures to minimize schedule disruptions and ensure the execution of planned flights under changing security conditions. Passengers are urged to prepare in advance for possible financial and logistical consequences of these changes.

In the face of the crisis that arises on the eve of the mass gathering of people at Rabbi Nachman’s grave in Uman, about 120 flights need to be carried out for all those wishing to arrive. A record number of flights will mainly be executed according to schedule, with some flights passing through Chisinau and others through alternative routes to Poland and Romania.