Israeli Passenger's Sabbath Concerns Delay Rome-Tel Aviv Flight Amid Security Fears

A Wizz Air flight from Rome to Tel Aviv was delayed for about seven hours last Friday after an Israeli passenger requested to leave the plane due to concerns about violating the Sabbath. The flight was scheduled to land just before the Sabbath began, but delays meant it would arrive during the holy day. The passenger's sudden decision to disembark after the plane doors had closed raised suspicions among other travelers and crew, prompting a security re-check of carry-on luggage amid fears of a potential security threat.

Ori Retshtein, a medical student on the flight visiting family in Israel, described the tense atmosphere in an interview with KAN News. She said the passenger's behavior was unusual and caused panic, with some passengers fearing he intended to leave a bomb on board. "People were crying and hysterical," she recalled, noting the presence of mothers with children and the overall anxiety. The Italian police eventually intervened shortly before the flight was officially canceled.

The airline decided to cancel the flight after many passengers expressed a desire to disembark, unwilling to take any risks. Removing the luggage from the aircraft took considerable time, contributing to the lengthy delay. Retshtein emphasized that if the passenger observed the Sabbath, he should have been aware of the timing beforehand, making his last-minute decision puzzling and stressful for everyone involved.