Israir Flight From London to Tel Aviv Canceled After Ground Vehicle Hits Plane

An Israir flight from London to Tel Aviv was unexpectedly canceled after a ground service vehicle struck the aircraft during towing, causing damage that prevented takeoff. Passengers reported waiting inside the plane for about two hours, with the air conditioning not working for part of that time. They were then moved to the terminal to wait for their luggage. One passenger described chaotic scenes including shouting, medical incidents, and a lack of information from the airline. Among the stranded passengers were ultra-Orthodox Jews, some observing the Sabbath, who remain stuck in London due to the cancellation.

Israir stated that affected passengers were accommodated in hotels, and those who arranged their own lodging could claim reimbursement for accommodation, transportation, and food according to company policy. The airline is working to arrange a rescue flight as soon as possible, but Sabbath-observant passengers are expected to return to Israel only on Sunday. Israir also noted that this was the third such incident involving a ground service vehicle at London Luton Airport, although this claim has not been confirmed by the airport management.