# EL AL Boeing 777 Pilots Report Low Fuel to JFK ATC: 'We Don't Have Fuel and Cannot Go Around'

_May 26 14:24_

Tags: EL AL, FAA, JFK, Tel Aviv, airline, loyalty program, devaluation, safety & operations, industry news

EL AL flight LY19, a Boeing 777-200ER from Tel Aviv, approached JFK on May 20, 2026, with low fuel. Pilots failed to declare emergency status initially, telling ATC 'we don't have fuel and cannot go around' only after being asked to increase speed

## Summary

On May 20, 2026, EL AL flight LY19 (Boeing 777-200ER, registration 4X-ECF) arrived at JFK from Tel Aviv (TLV). During the approach, the aircraft was cleared for the ILS runway 31R approach. The tower controller noticed the plane slowing down and instructed the pilots to increase airspeed, noting they were number three in the sequence. The pilot's response was notable: "Increasing… uh, speed. We don't have fuel and cannot go around." The controller asked if they were declaring minimum fuel, to which the pilot affirmed "minimum fuel" but did not declare an emergency. The plane landed without further incident. The article analyzes the lack of proactive communication from the pilots, contrasting the FAA definitions of 'minimum fuel' (possible emergency if delayed) versus 'emergency fuel' (priority handling required). The incident highlights potential gaps in crew resource management or communication during the approach phase

## Why it matters

Affects EL AL loyalty members and route planners.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/el-al-boeing-777-pilots-jfk-atc-fuel-go-around) — EL AL Boeing 777 Pilots To JFK ATC: “We Don’t Have Fuel And Cannot Go Around”

Older: [Buy Choice Privileges Points With a 40% Bonus (0.74¢ Each)](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/choice-privileges-buy-points-flash-sale-50-bonus-may-1824-2026.md)
Newer: [Delta Air Lines to Launch Nonstop SLC–STS Service Oct. 6](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/delta-air-lines-to-launch-nonstop-slcsts-service-oct-6.md)

Canonical URL: https://thetravelsignal.com/s/el-al-boeing-777-pilots-report-low-fuel-to-jfk-atc-we-don-t-have-fuel-and-cannot