Hundreds of people scheduled to leave New York on Wednesday night for Uman have just been notified that the flight has been cancelled.

The tickets were sold by a well-respected travel agency, and the passengers were being flown on a privately chartered 747. The flight was advertised as a direct flight.

Although it is unclear about why exactly the flight was cancelled, sources tell YWN that the flight did not have the appropriate landing permits in Ukraine, prompting the cancellation of the flight.

Passengers who spoke to the travel agency are being told that their money was being refunded, and being told that they can try and make alternate travel arrangements.

The following email was written by one of the flight organizers:

Dear friends,

This past summer we attempted to organize a charter flight to the Zion of Rabeini Hakodosh so that our community can travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. With Hashem’s help we made contact with a reputable charter company that was willing to provide us with a reasonably priced flight option that would be best suitable for our community.

We reached out to Do All Travel to assist us in servicing the community to book and ticket this charter flight. Do All Travel put in their best effort to service the positive response.

Unfortunately at the last minute we received word from the charter company that due to issues beyond their control there will be no flight leaving tonightfor Kiev in time for Rosh Hashanah. We profusely apologize for the situation and we understand your disappointment. We take full responsibility for this unfortunate situation.

May hashem help that with all of your good intentions you should merit to a healthy and fruitful year.

With sincere appolgies,

Yoily Gertner

(Charles Gross – YWN)