Arkia Passengers Face Overnight Delay After Flight Diverted to Albania

Passengers on an Arkia flight scheduled to fly from Podgorica, Montenegro to Israel on Sunday night experienced a prolonged and exhausting delay. The flight, originally set to depart at 20:00, was postponed multiple times after the plane en route from Tel Aviv to Podgorica was denied landing permission in Montenegro and diverted to Tirana, Albania. This forced passengers to be transported by bus between the two countries. Approximately 50 passengers remained in Tirana and were taken to a nearby hotel, while others continued their journey to Israel.

The delay began in the evening with the departure time pushed first to 21:00 and then to 22:00. Arkia explained that during the flight from Tel Aviv to Montenegro, the Podgorica airport notified them of an operational issue preventing the plane from landing there. Consequently, the aircraft landed in Tirana, requiring the airline to arrange bus transfers for passengers between Albania and Montenegro. Passengers who arrived in Tirana from Tel Aviv were bused to Montenegro, while those flying to Israel were bused from Podgorica to Tirana to board the waiting plane.

One passenger described the experience as "an abnormal nightmare," criticizing Arkia for poor communication and lack of updates, food, or water during the wait. The passenger also noted that the company representative on site was unable to provide clear information. Boarding at Tirana airport only began around 05:00, with additional buses arriving from Montenegro at the same time.

Arkia stated that the operational problem at Podgorica airport forced the diversion to Tirana and caused delays on the return flight to Tel Aviv. The airline said passengers were updated and assisted by local representatives and that notifications were sent to the contact details provided by customers.