On June 30, 2024, an El Al flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing at Antalya Airport in Turkey due to a medical incident involving a passenger. The flight, designated as LY5102, was operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with registration 4X-EKA. The incident occurred mid-flight, as the aircraft was soaring over the Mediterranean Sea. The flight crew declared a medical emergency, and after consulting with a doctor onboard, made the decision to divert to the nearest available airport, Antalya (AYT), to seek urgent medical help for the passenger.
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Upon landing at Antalya Airport, the passenger in need of medical attention was transported to the hospital, conscious and in communication with the accompanying consul. The flight crew prepared for a renewed takeoff to Tel Aviv, but local workers at the airport refused to refuel the plane, despite the medical emergency. According to El Al, the refusal to refuel was not due to objections from Turkish officials, as Israeli officials were in contact with their Turkish counterparts who had no objections to refueling the El Al flight. However, a communication breakdown led to the local company's refusal to comply, causing the decision to refuel in Rhodes, the closest airport outside Turkey.
The incident sparked controversy and criticism, with some labeling the refusal to refuel as a disgrace and a political move. Turkish airport workers' refusal to refuel the Israeli plane was seen as a reflection of the strained relations between Turkey and Israel, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The flight eventually departed Antalya Airport without refueling and flew to Rhodes, Greece, for refueling before continuing its journey to Tel Aviv. The incident highlighted the challenges and complexities of international air travel, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions and strained diplomatic relations. In conclusion, the El Al flight LY5102 emergency landing in Turkey and the subsequent refusal to refuel by local airport workers shed light on the intricate interplay of medical emergencies, geopolitical tensions, and the responsibilities of airlines and airports in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers.