HereWeGo
May 26, 2026 • 3 min read
An EL AL Boeing 777 faced a serious emergency landing at JFK, New York, raising significant safety concerns as pilots reported running low on fuel.
Introduction to the Incident
On the evening of May 20, 2026, an EL AL Boeing 777-200ER encountered a critical situation while landing at JFK Airport in New York. During its approach, the pilots informed air traffic control that they did not have enough fuel to execute a go-around.
Detailed Sequence of Events
Flight LY19, which had departed from Tel Aviv (TLV), was cleared to approach runway 31R at a speed of 170 knots. However, upon transfer to ground control, the pilots were instructed to reduce their speed to 160 knots. Ground control attempted to remind the pilots to increase speed upon noticing the aircraft slowing down, but the pilots’ response raised alarms.
Specifically, one pilot stated, “We are out of fuel and cannot go around.” This was extremely serious information. Ground control requested clarification on the situation but only received confirmation that they were adjusting speed and were at minimum fuel levels.
Significance of the Situation
The failure to promptly communicate the fuel emergency by the pilots was inconsistent with aviation safety regulations. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when an aircraft is at minimum fuel, pilots must clearly declare this so air traffic control can provide timely assistance.
The situation faced by the EL AL pilots serves as a lesson for the entire aviation industry regarding communication and fuel management during flights. The low fuel status was due to having to circle over Rhode Island, resulting in longer than anticipated flight time.
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Related Concerns
For passengers, this situation was not just a technical incident but could also cause confusion. If you are planning to fly from Tel Aviv to New York, be aware that the flight typically lasts about 11-12 hours, and it’s advisable to check the flight status information before departure.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
Currently, Vietnam and Israel have a visa exemption agreement for citizens of both countries. If you wish to fly to Tel Aviv, you can depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) or Noi Bai Airport (HAN). Ticket prices for flights to Tel Aviv currently range from 15 to 20 million VND, depending on the date of travel and booking time.
Additionally, be mindful of the time zone when flying from Vietnam to Israel. Tel Aviv is currently in the GMT+2 time zone, while Vietnam is in the GMT+7 time zone. This can affect your schedule, so be sure to plan carefully.
Conclusion
The incident involving the EL AL Boeing 777 at JFK serves as an important reminder about aviation safety and fuel management. Not only should the pilots of this airline enhance their communication skills, but all pilots must exercise caution in reporting the status of their aircraft. It is hoped that this incident will be thoroughly investigated to ensure the safety of all future flights.
This article is based on and edited from: One Mile at a Time
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