Method for operating an elevator system and elevator system

A method for operating an elevator system, wherein the elevator system comprises a plurality of elevator cars movable between landings, in response to an elevator call registered by an elevator control unit, the method comprising:

• determining a special operating mode of the elevator system, the special operating mode being different from a nominal operating mode at least with respect to a characteristic of use of each elevator car;
• operating, in the special operating mode, the elevator system so as to reduce a number of passengers entering at least two elevator cars from the landing compared to the nominal operating mode based on the characteristic;
• setting a special capacity limit for the at least two elevator cars that is lower than a nominal capacity limit;
• and
• arranging, in the special operating mode, the at least two elevator cars to the landing to allow for distribution of the number of passengers into the at least two elevator cars such that the special capacity limit is not exceeded in each of the at least two elevator cars.