Flight Disruptions
Brussels Airlines cancels flight SN 3289 to Tel Aviv after crew member falls ill

Brussels Airlines cancels flight SN 3289 to Tel Aviv after crew member falls ill

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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Last updated on 23 October 2026

Affected flights

Affected airports

Affected airlines

Affected flights

Affected airports

Affected airlines

Disruption overview

A crew member's illness led Brussels Airlines to cancel flight SN 3289 to Tel Aviv on 21 October 2026, with all affected passengers moved onto alternative flights.

The crew had signed in for duty, but the illness emerged during pre-flight preparations, leaving the airline unable to find a replacement in time.

If you were affected, you may qualify for up to £520 compensation under EC 261.

Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations.

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Disruption details

Brussels Airlines canceled a flight to Tel Aviv on 21 October 2026 after a crew member became ill during preparations for departure. The airline said it couldn't arrange a replacement at such short notice and rebooked all affected passengers onto other flights.

For passengers, this meant a last-minute change to their travel plans and having to take an alternative flight to reach their destination. Brussels Airlines apologized for the inconvenience.

The full crew had signed in for duty before the illness prevented 1 crew member from operating the service. With no time to find someone to take their place, the airline canceled the flight rather than delaying it.

Brussels Airlines rejected claims that the pilot had refused to fly to Israel. It said the cancellation wasn't related to Tel Aviv as a destination. The allegation of a refusal to fly was subsequently withdrawn following the airline's explanation.

Brussels Airlines operates a daily flight on the route and described this as its first cancellation since resuming flights to Israel in early August.

If you were on the canceled flight, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261, the EU's air passenger rights rules. The service was operated by an EU airline on a route connected with the EU, so its arrival in Israel doesn't by itself exclude it from those protections.

Because the cancellation followed crew illness and the inability to arrange a replacement, affected passengers may qualify for up to £520 compensation.

Compensation is separate from your right to an alternative flight or a refund if you decide not to travel. Depending on your wait, you may also be entitled to meals, refreshments, and accommodation with transportation if an overnight stay is necessary.

If your journey was affected, you can use AirHelp's free flight checker to find out whether you're eligible for compensation.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.

Up to £520 compensation

Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging up to £520 per person. Check your flight.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Care and assistance

Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.

Accommodation

If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.

Communication

Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

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Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Cancellations

Cause

Illness

Status

Past disruption

Compensation

Could be eligible for up to £520 compensation

Flights affected

Airlines affected

Brussels Airlines

Airports affected

Tel Aviv-Yafo Ben Gurion Airport

Cities affected

Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Countries affected

Israel

Start date

2026-10-21

Checked by

Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Date updated

23 October 2026

What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked

If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

Information on this page is AI generated, but always checked by a (human) passenger right expert.

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