Passengers Face Heat and Delay on Bluebird Flight from Israel to Crete

Bluebird Airways flight BZ742, scheduled to depart from Ben Gurion Airport to Crete at 14:00, was delayed, causing significant discomfort for passengers. After boarding, passengers were forced to remain on the plane on the ground for about one to one and a half hours before takeoff. During this time, the air conditioning operated at minimal power despite high outside temperatures, leading to feelings of suffocation and heat stress among travelers. Several passengers reported difficulty coping with the heat and poor ventilation, prompting some to call the police and others to knock on the cockpit door demanding action to improve conditions.

Passengers described the situation as distressing, with one telling N12 that children were crying and everyone was sweating and turning red from the heat. The cabin crew also faced challenges managing the situation. Eventually, after passenger protests, a flight attendant opened one of the aircraft doors to allow fresh air into the cabin, somewhat alleviating the conditions.

Bluebird Airways responded by attributing the delays to unusual congestion in Greek airspace and airports, where the airline operates many flights during the summer. The company noted that on the day of the incident, it operated 84 flights, its highest daily volume to date. They explained that sometimes passengers are already on board when further delays occur due to waiting for takeoff clearance from air traffic control, which can come with little notice. The airline apologized for the discomfort and emphasized that its crews work around the clock to minimize delays and their impact on flight schedules.