Key Takeaways
• El Al suffered a technical outage on May 26, 2025, disrupting online check-in and boarding systems.
• Manual check-in caused long lines at Ben-Gurion Airport, delaying thousands of passengers’ flights.
• Outage affected internal systems including crew scheduling, possibly causing wider operational disruptions.
El Al Technical Outage Disrupts Check-In and Boarding: What Travelers Need to Know
El Al, the national airline of Israel 🇮🇱, faced a major technical outage that disrupted its digital systems just after midnight on Sunday-Monday, May 26, 2025. This sudden system crash affected the airline’s website, mobile app, and possibly its internal operations. As a result, many passengers could not complete their check-in or boarding processes, leading to confusion and delays at Ben-Gurion Airport and possibly other airports in El Al’s network.
This article explains what happened, how it affected travelers, what steps are being taken, and what passengers should do if they are flying with El Al during or after this technical outage. We’ll also look at the broader impact on airline operations, recent incidents involving El Al, and what this means for travelers, airport staff, and the airline industry.
What Happened: The El Al Technical Outage
Shortly after midnight on May 26, 2025, El Al’s digital systems crashed. Passengers trying to check in online or through the mobile app found the platforms frozen or stuck on loading screens. Many received error messages or could not access their boarding passes or flight information. The outage affected:
- El Al’s official website
- El Al’s mobile application
- Possibly internal systems used for operations, crew scheduling, and flight management
This meant that travelers could not complete online check-in, print or download boarding passes, or make changes to their bookings. For many, this led to uncertainty about their flights and how to proceed at the airport.
Where and When: Timing and Location of the Outage
The technical outage began just after midnight, affecting passengers preparing for early morning flights on Monday, May 26, 2025. The timing was especially difficult because:
- Many travelers check in online the night before or early morning of their flight.
- Monday mornings are typically busy at airports, with business and leisure travelers starting their week.
- Ben-Gurion Airport, El Al’s main hub, handles thousands of passengers daily.
As of the latest updates on May 26, 2025, El Al’s systems appeared to be coming back online. However, both aviation experts and travelers remained worried about possible delays and disruptions throughout the day.
How the Outage Affected Passengers
The most immediate impact was on the check-in process. Passengers who could not check in online had to wait in longer lines at airport counters. Many were unsure if their bookings were confirmed or if their flights would depart on time. Some of the main problems included:
- Frozen screens and error messages when trying to check in online
- Inability to access boarding passes or flight details
- Uncertainty about flight status and possible delays
- Longer wait times at airport check-in counters
For travelers, especially those with connecting flights or tight schedules, these issues caused stress and confusion. Some worried about missing their flights or not having the right documents to board.
Possible Effects on El Al’s Operations
While the main problem was with passenger check-in, the outage may have also affected El Al’s internal systems. This could include:
- Crew assignments and scheduling: If the system that assigns pilots and flight attendants is down, flights might be delayed or canceled.
- Gate management: Assigning gates for arriving and departing flights could become more difficult.
- Flight schedule updates: Passengers and staff might not get real-time updates about delays or changes.
- Other operational functions: Baggage handling, security checks, and other behind-the-scenes tasks could be slowed down.
Because El Al operates flights around the world, a problem at its main hub can quickly spread to other airports and flights in its network.
Why This Matters: The Broader Impact
A technical outage like this does not just affect one airport or a few flights. It can create a chain reaction of problems, including:
- Delays for departing and arriving flights
- Missed connections for travelers with layovers
- Possible cancellations if delays become too long
- Confusion for airport staff and ground crews
- Frustration for passengers who cannot get information or help
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, even a short system outage can lead to hours or even days of disruptions, especially if it happens during a busy travel period. The effects can be felt by travelers, airline staff, and even other airlines sharing the same airport facilities.
Recent Incidents Involving El Al
This technical outage is not the first challenge El Al has faced recently. In the past year, there have been other notable incidents:
- May 1, 2025: An El Al Boeing 787-9 flying from New York JFK to Tel Aviv had a cracked windshield during the flight. The crew had to manage the situation carefully to ensure passenger safety.
- March 24, 2024: An El Al Boeing 777-200ER came dangerously close to a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER over Mumbai’s airspace. The two planes were only 9.1 nautical miles apart, much closer than the usual safe distance.
These incidents, combined with the recent technical outage, have raised questions about El Al’s safety and reliability. While technical problems can happen to any airline, repeated issues may worry travelers and industry experts.
How Airlines Handle Technical Outages
When an airline’s digital systems fail, it often has to switch to manual processes. This means:
- Checking in passengers by hand at the counter
- Writing boarding passes instead of printing them
- Communicating flight changes by phone or in person, not through digital alerts
These manual steps take much longer than automated systems. As a result, lines grow longer, and flights may be delayed. If the outage lasts too long, some flights might be canceled because crews cannot be assigned or because airport slots are missed.
Aviation experts say that airlines must have backup plans for these situations. However, even with good planning, a large-scale outage can overwhelm staff and systems, especially during busy travel times.
What Passengers Should Do If Affected
If you are flying with El Al on or after May 26, 2025, here are some steps you can take to reduce stress and avoid problems:
1. Arrive Early: Get to the airport earlier than usual. This gives you more time to deal with longer lines or unexpected delays.
2. Try Online Check-In Again: As El Al’s systems come back online, try to check in through the website or app. If it works, save or print your boarding pass.
3. Bring Printed Documents: Have printed copies of your booking confirmation, itinerary, and any important travel documents. This can help if the digital system is still down.
4. Stay Informed: Check El Al’s official website and social media channels for updates. Listen for announcements at the airport.
5. Contact Customer Service: If you have questions or problems, reach out to El Al’s customer service. They can give you the latest information about your flight.
6. Be Patient: Remember that airport staff are doing their best to help everyone. Delays and confusion are frustrating, but staying calm can make the process smoother for everyone.
What This Means for Immigration and Border Control
When airline systems go down, it can also affect immigration and border control processes. Here’s how:
- Longer lines at passport control: If flights are delayed or arrive all at once, border officers may have to process more people at the same time.
- Problems with travel documents: If passengers cannot access digital boarding passes or itineraries, they may have trouble showing proof of travel to immigration officers.
- Missed connections: Delays can cause travelers to miss connecting flights, which may require new visas or rebooking.
Travelers should make sure they have all necessary documents printed and ready. If you are traveling internationally, check the requirements for your destination country. The Israel Population and Immigration Authority provides official information about entry and exit requirements for Israel 🇮🇱.
How El Al and Airports Respond to Outages
Airlines and airports have emergency plans for technical outages. These plans usually include:
- Switching to manual check-in and boarding
- Bringing in extra staff to help with lines
- Communicating with passengers through announcements and signs
- Coordinating with immigration and security to manage crowds
After the outage, airlines review what happened to prevent future problems. They may update their systems, train staff, or change procedures to make sure they can handle similar situations better next time.
The Role of Technology in Air Travel
Modern airlines rely heavily on technology for almost every part of their operations. This includes:
- Booking and reservations
- Check-in and boarding
- Crew scheduling
- Flight planning and tracking
- Customer service and communication
When these systems work, they make travel faster and easier. But when they fail, the impact can be huge. Airlines must balance the benefits of technology with the need for strong backup plans.
What Can Be Learned from This Outage
The El Al technical outage shows how important it is for airlines to:
- Invest in reliable technology
- Have backup systems and manual processes ready
- Train staff to handle emergencies
- Communicate clearly with passengers
For travelers, it’s a reminder to:
- Keep printed copies of important documents
- Arrive early for flights, especially during busy times
- Stay informed about possible delays or changes
Implications for Stakeholders
Travelers: The main impact is on convenience and peace of mind. Delays, confusion, and missed flights can cause stress and extra costs.
Airline Staff: Employees must work harder to process passengers manually and handle complaints. They may also face longer shifts and more pressure.
Airports: Crowds and delays can create safety and security risks. Airports must coordinate with airlines and government agencies to keep things running smoothly.
Immigration Authorities: Sudden surges in passenger numbers or missing documents can slow down border checks and increase the risk of errors.
El Al: The airline’s reputation may suffer if passengers feel let down. Repeated problems can lead to lost business and higher costs.
How to Prepare for Future Disruptions
While no one can predict every problem, both airlines and travelers can take steps to be ready:
For Airlines:
– Regularly test and update digital systems
– Train staff for manual operations
– Communicate quickly and clearly with passengers
For Travelers:
– Check flight status before leaving for the airport
– Bring printed copies of tickets and travel documents
– Allow extra time for check-in and security
– Know your rights in case of delays or cancellations
Official Resources and Further Information
For the latest updates on El Al flights and technical issues, visit the El Al official website. For information about entry and exit requirements for Israel 🇮🇱, see the Israel Population and Immigration Authority.
If you need to file a complaint or request compensation for a delayed or canceled flight, check the airline’s official policies and procedures. You can also find information about passenger rights on the European Union’s air passenger rights page if your flight involves the EU.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for El Al Passengers
The El Al technical outage on May 26, 2025, caused major disruptions to check-in and boarding for thousands of travelers. While systems are coming back online, the effects may last throughout the day and possibly longer. Passengers should:
- Arrive early at the airport
- Try online check-in again as systems recover
- Bring printed travel documents
- Stay updated through official channels
- Be patient and prepared for possible delays
As reported by VisaVerge.com, technical outages like this can have wide-reaching effects on airline operations, passenger experience, and even immigration processes. By staying informed and prepared, travelers can reduce the impact of such disruptions and ensure a smoother journey.
For more information and updates, always rely on official airline and government sources. Safe travels!
Learn Today
Technical outage → A failure of digital systems that disrupts normal airline operations, including check-in and boarding.
Check-in → The process where passengers confirm their presence and obtain boarding passes before flights.
Crew scheduling → Assigning pilots and flight attendants to flights, coordinating their work shifts efficiently.
Boarding pass → A document or digital pass allowing a passenger to enter the aircraft for their flight.
Ben-Gurion Airport → Israel’s main international airport and El Al’s primary hub for domestic and international flights.
This Article in a Nutshell
On May 26, 2025, El Al’s digital systems crashed, disrupting check-in and boarding. Passengers faced long lines and delays as manual processes replaced automated systems. The outage affected crew scheduling and flight management, raising concerns about operational impact and passenger stress at Ben-Gurion Airport.
— By VisaVerge.com
