NEW YORK — A three-hour glitch that drastically lowered round-trip airfare between New York and Israel on El Al Airlines created a run on tickets.

At least 5,000 tickets were purchased Tuesday after El Al posted fares for less than $400, down from an average of $1,600.

The New York Post (http://nyp.st/NiuPsJ) says news of the bargain fare quickly spread through New York's Orthodox Jewish communities after an online bargain fare site sent out an alert. Many purchased tickets for members of their large families.

El Al blames the glitch on a contractor responsible for posting fares. It says it will decide this week whether to honor the tickets.