El Al, Israel’s flag carrier, reported that airport workers in Turkey refused to refuel one of its planes after it made an emergency landing on Sunday. The airline stated that despite it being a medical case, the local workers declined to help. A passenger requiring medical attention had to be evacuated from the plane. Following the incident, the plane flew to Rhodes International Airport before continuing its journey.
Reports from Israeli news outlet Mako indicated that the plane was on the tarmac at the Turkish airport for about two hours. A passenger on the flight named Avner shared that the ground crew was uncooperative in refueling the plane. While Turkish diplomatic sources mentioned that fuel was set to be provided, the captain left before the process could be completed.
The disruption in flight operations is believed to be linked to strained relations between Israel and Turkey. Last year, Antalya was a top vacation spot for Israeli tourists, but in the wake of terror attacks in Israel and heightened tensions following the invasion of Gaza, all direct flights between the two countries were suspended. Turkey also suspended trade with Israel and supported actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice, escalating tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan for calling Israel a “terrorist state,” highlighting his own concerns about Kurdish villages being attacked. The political conflicts between the two nations have significantly impacted aviation and travel between Israel and Turkey.