Flight Delays and Political Tensions Israel-Turkey Routes Disrupted
Passengers were informed of a delay of several hours on the ground in Turkey and were not allowed to exit the plane. Due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, all direct flights from Israel to Turkey have been suspended.
The aircraft required refueling but one of the airport workers refused to refuel it, causing further delays, according to Israeli media. An El Al spokesperson stated Following the medical incident on flight LY5102 from Warsaw to Tel Aviv and the subsequent landing in Antalya the passenger received urgent medical attention.
The flight crew prepared for departure to Tel Aviv but local workers refused to refuel the plane even though it was a medical emergency. The plane then departed for Rhodes to refuel before heading to Israel.
Delays were reportedly due to Turkish permits. KAN reported that although initial permission to refuel at Antalya Airport was granted Turkish political parties delayed the process, citing permit requirements.
Army Radio added that local workers refused to refuel the El Al plane prompting it to take off for Rhodes, Greece, for refueling before returning to Israel.
