An EL AL Israel Airlines flight had to divert today due to a medical emergency, and unfortunately this is proving to be problematic…
In this post:
EL AL 737 diverts to Antalya due to medical emergency
This incident is happening right now (on Sunday, June 30, 2024), and involves EL AL flight LY5102 from Warsaw, Poland (WAW), to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV). The flight is operated by a 25-year-old Boeing 737-800 with the registration code 4X-EKA.
The jet departed Warsaw at 11:22AM this morning, and was supposed to make the 1,558-mile flight to Tel Aviv. However, there ended up being a medical emergency onboard, so the flight had to divert. The decision was made to land in Antalya, Türkiye (AYT), where the jet touched down around 2.5 hours after its initial departure.
In these kinds of situations, it’s standard for the passenger with the medical needs to be offloaded, for the plane to refueled, and to then continue to the intended destination.
Unfortunately that’s not how this situation played out, though. Relations between Israel and Türkiye haven’t been good since the October 7 attacks, and there haven’t been nonstop flights between the countries since then.
As a result, authorities reportedly refused to refuel the jet, leading to a challenging situation that lasted for three hours. Passengers also weren’t allowed to get off the plane, which is perhaps less surprising.
EL AL 737 now flying to Rhodes to refuel
As of the time of this post, the EL AL Boeing 737 is now departing Antalya around three hours after it initially landed. According to flight tracking software, the aircraft is now headed to Rhodes, Greece (RHO), which is around 155 miles away.
Presumably this is because the plane was unable to refuel in Antalya, and the aircraft didn’t have enough fuel to fly the 410 miles to Tel Aviv, while still having sufficient reserves.
You’d certainly hope that an airport would be willing to help an airline in a situation where there’s a medical emergency. However, Türkiye has been a vocal critic of Israel since the start of the war, and has also stopped all imports and exports with the country.
So unfortunately I can’t say that I’m totally surprised by the actions of authorities. Frankly, I’m kind of surprised that EL AL made the decision to divert to Antalya, since at the point that the jet started its diversion, it could have probably been in Rhodes just several minutes later.
Of course in medical emergencies you want to prioritize getting on the ground as quickly as possible, but you also want to balance that with the risks, and avoiding situations like this.
Bottom line
An EL AL Boeing 737 flying from Warsaw to Tel Aviv had a medical emergency, causing the pilots to divert the plane to Antalya. Türkiye is no alley of Israel, so the airport authorities reportedly refused to refuel the aircraft.
The standoff lasted for a few hours, at which point the decision was made to instead fly to nearby Rhodes, and refuel there, prior to returning to Tel Aviv. I hope the person with the medical emergency doesn’t have anything too serious, and that the rest of this journey goes smoothly.
Are you surprised that the EL AL plane diverted to Türkiye, and/or that authorities wouldn’t refuel the plane?
Elduke what is your problem???? you are very confused!! Shame on TK for not helping other people when in the past they have been helped by many countries including Israel
Turkiye should have seized the plane. There is precedent. The West has seized several Russian assets including aircraft citing one excuse after another.
One small El Al plane would not be worth the trouble for Turkiye.
Think. About. It.
And don't give up your day job. People like you should be kept far away from government advisory roles, otherwise we'd be plunged into world war.
Dumbest comment I’ve seen in a long time. Doesn’t see the difference between Russia invading Ukraine and Israel responding after Hamas attack. Has no rationale for Turkey committing a hostile act against Israel. Yikes!
This is strange because according to Google Maps , a direct flight Antalya to Rhodes takes 7hrs 15 mins , Antalya to Tel Aviv 7hrs 10 mins and Antalya to Larnaca only 5hrs 35 mins , but that flight path maynot be approved due to Cyprus/Turkey relations and occupation
Well you're obviously not a very experienced traveller, as there are no direct flight between those city pairs and Google Maps is showing flights from Google Flights with a connection included.
So let me understand. We're more concerned about a refueling and an inconvenience while other people are being bombed, killed and starved to death?
And yet in 1995 when a Kish Air (an Iranian airline) jet was hijacked by an Iranian it was allowed to land in Israel after being refused landing by Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The Israelis arrested the hijacker, fed and medically checked the Iranian pax (including Iranian military officers!!!), refueled the plane and let them all fly off again in 24 hours...
Turkey could have made a bigger statement by doing EVERYTHING possible to...
And yet in 1995 when a Kish Air (an Iranian airline) jet was hijacked by an Iranian it was allowed to land in Israel after being refused landing by Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The Israelis arrested the hijacker, fed and medically checked the Iranian pax (including Iranian military officers!!!), refueled the plane and let them all fly off again in 24 hours...
Turkey could have made a bigger statement by doing EVERYTHING possible to assist the Israel jet on its way. Now it looks diminished instead of righteous.
Turkey are taking the right action.
And Turkey wants to join the EU? Good luck with that
Oh they need more than luck..especially this recent event..the turkish EU application papers are filed in to the folder..shredder..
I don't think you want to go to Idaho. The homeplace of white supremacy in America, but then again, that's where you may want to be.
Who wants to join this sinking ship ruled by almost totalitarian, unelected officials? Once Le Pen and the AfD get into power, it will be a European jumbo mumbo. So, no thanks, keep the EU and enjoy the free fall...:-)
Never expect that from TR. Well, if they want to play the game like this..bring it on.
At least I can say I never been allured to fly TK. Often in life you need to have a back bone..it is called integrity. Cheap tickets beautiful service etc.but if they know who you are they rather kick you off the plane and put you in jail.
That is why think twice before buying any products from countties who do not regard you as human being.
You mean like Israel who has exterminated 15,000 children and counting?
..what are you talking about..facts pls?
@elduke, do you have a source for your claim that is anything other than the Hamas controlled Gazan Health Ministry? Or are you just trying to incite?
Turkey forgot that Israel was helping after earthquake. I never understood why Israel so eager to help the enemies.
Because Israelis are good people with strong morals and integrity.
Maybe all those good Israeli people need is a refresher in international law or a reminder that those laws they’re sh******* on were written because what happend to them some 80-ish years ago?
Say what?????
I just hope that these politicians stop playing games at the cost of human lives. I am just getting sick of hearing all of these news these days. I wanna live in a peaceful world, it is not that hard if some people didn't have the greed, ego and reckless ambition...
You right Ken. It is terrible place at the moment..by the way you still have some space free..in your place in Idaho..thinking of building a cabin in the wilderness away in a peaceful environment..away from these First Class junkies, with their Champagnes and Caviars..and pyjamas and suite doors. Just a simple quite place..
without Karens&Kevins..
Turkey has no business being in NATO. It's a mirage. As if they would send troops should Russia attack, say, Estonia. Erdogan would claim some exemption or reason that they need to adhere to "diplomacy." Turkish diplomacy being to wink wink have Saudis chop a journalist up into parts.
Sure, they will turn to Russia. Fine. Two half-bit states with a lot of bluster can own each other. But trust me, they will come running...
Turkey has no business being in NATO. It's a mirage. As if they would send troops should Russia attack, say, Estonia. Erdogan would claim some exemption or reason that they need to adhere to "diplomacy." Turkish diplomacy being to wink wink have Saudis chop a journalist up into parts.
Sure, they will turn to Russia. Fine. Two half-bit states with a lot of bluster can own each other. But trust me, they will come running back in no time when they realize what they chose over the west and NATO.
Obviously you know nothing of NATO. Turkey has the largest military in Europe to protect Europeans, but not in the EU. You ask them to protect you but they can't live next to you. Sounds like the USA of old where Black Americans fought and died for the country but still discriminated against. Your ignorance and racism show. Maybe you want it to show.
Nobody cares abiut Turkish troops. Turkiye does host US-provided nuclear weapons, which is more useful to NATO.
I despise Israel and everything that government stands for. But I think it’s foolish for airport staff not to refuel a plane.
It is not the foolishness of any airport staff..it is the policies of Erdogan.
Not surprising considering that Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh and former chief Khaled Meshal are now staying in Turkey. Hamas has established a command post in Turkey. which it uses to recruit operatives and oversee operations in the Middle East. Easy to see where Turkey's political loyalties are.
If Turkey is not going to allow El Al flights to be serviced in their country they need to issue a Notam and let everyone know that. Also, after working a lot of enroute medical emergencies in my career, I can tell you that the majority turn out to be not that critical and the few that are usually result in the passenger’s death, regardless of how quickly the flight diverts. Saving a few minutes...
If Turkey is not going to allow El Al flights to be serviced in their country they need to issue a Notam and let everyone know that. Also, after working a lot of enroute medical emergencies in my career, I can tell you that the majority turn out to be not that critical and the few that are usually result in the passenger’s death, regardless of how quickly the flight diverts. Saving a few minutes of flight time rarely makes a difference in the outcome of the medical event.
Don't dehumanize the Turks. That kind of rhetoric is unhelpful. It's just Erdogan and his regime that are animals.
It is time the normal secular Turks stand against conservative Turks and show the world they are part of the Western society who we can rely on. Pick your side!
And they did. In the last mayoral election, Erdogan has lost the majority. He lost all of the big cities. If there's a general election tomorrow, he'd lose the presidency as well.
'Animals'? Haven't I heard this before?
A country blocking essential food supplies, not willing give a morsel of food to poor Palestinians and dropping bombs on innocent civilians..
They should be thankful to Turkiye govt that allowed them to land and let them continue to another destination for refuelling..
Unfortunately I have no sympathy for Israeli govt and people supporting Zionist terrorists
Truckloads of aid enter Gaza daily. More aid is required, but your claim is demonstrably false.
The only terrorists are Hamas, who hide amongst the innocent civilian population and are responsible for putting them in harm's way
None of that aid is coming from Israel. Even the kids with cancer that were recently evacuated from Gaza were taken to Egypt because Israel wouldn’t allow them in for medical treatment.
..just to remind you..who started the massacre and kidnapping on the 07.10.2023. All these actions happening now are because of those Hamas and Palestinian militants.
If they just have thought for a while in not doing what they planned it will be a different outcome today. Especially now we know that the majority of Gaza support the Hamas and its politics, they have signed their fates.
""A country blocking essential food supplies, not willing give a morsel of food to poor Palestinians and dropping bombs on innocent civilians.."" - Sounds like WW2 and what Germany and Japan endured....
Good thing the "elected" government of Gaza didn't support an attack on Israel and take human hostages back for ransom......Good thing the population of Gaza didn't support the construction of tunnels and military installations in schools and hospitals....Good thing that Palestinian children...
""A country blocking essential food supplies, not willing give a morsel of food to poor Palestinians and dropping bombs on innocent civilians.."" - Sounds like WW2 and what Germany and Japan endured....
Good thing the "elected" government of Gaza didn't support an attack on Israel and take human hostages back for ransom......Good thing the population of Gaza didn't support the construction of tunnels and military installations in schools and hospitals....Good thing that Palestinian children aren't indoctrinated from birth to hate the Jews....
Oh wait.... ah.....People in Gaza can't claim they are innocent bystanders, that's what the Germans tried in WW2, when they said they had no idea that 6 million people disappeared and had no idea what was happening in those "factories"
Israel was attacked and will destroy Hamas and the collaborators, once and for all.
There need to be consequences for this. International aviation relies on rules for everyone's safety, and when one country openly spits on those rules for political purposes they're putting people at risk. F**k Erdogan.
I agree there should be a consequence for Turkey over this imcident.
They are the second largest army in NATO, (usually) provide a critical base for NATO and U.S. operations in the region, and the alternative is the let Russia in. Keep them in NATO.
That is the crucial point. NATO needs air bases in the region such in Turkey inorder to have a better reach around Southern Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East and support to Israel.
It is sad that TR becomes more and more unreliable through Erdogan nowadays..I think the White House and the Pentagon must look on this matter very seriously.
Anyone surprised by Türkiye‘s decisions? They and their dictatorial president openly support terrorism.
Major news outlets are not mentioning that the Captain of this EL AL flight decided to depart on his own accord without fulfilling the refueling procedure.
Probably because that's not what happened
If I have understand rightly the captain decided,after 3 hours of waiting for approval, to fly to Rhodes around 155 miles away from Antalya.
There the plane can be properly refuelled and continue its journey.
Very bad attitude of the Turkish Gov. and authorities.
Great idea.
I believe it is a violation of the ICAO rules of passage.
You're right, they are not Europeans in any way, shape, or form.
Germany is still full of turkish born/turkish descent citizens, they seem to think they have a strong connection and relationship with Germany. Turkey were smart to join NATO, it'd be stupid to pretend Turkey is not holding the stake right now, they really know how to play the EU.
I don't think the EU is going distant from Turkey anytime soon. I've met very rude and entitled turkish people in Europe, and personnel at IST...
Germany is still full of turkish born/turkish descent citizens, they seem to think they have a strong connection and relationship with Germany. Turkey were smart to join NATO, it'd be stupid to pretend Turkey is not holding the stake right now, they really know how to play the EU.
I don't think the EU is going distant from Turkey anytime soon. I've met very rude and entitled turkish people in Europe, and personnel at IST is very rude to certain nationalities, israelis included. This is just a sign of the times and the predominant attitude towards israelis and jews all over the world. This is not surprising.
I understand your anger but we do not level up to their inferior attitudes. We take the high road and stand above their accusations.
The Turks are both Europeans and Asians failing to acknowledge that makes you an ignorant.
But it is sure it was a very poor judgement not to refuel the aircraft confirming all theTurkish prejudices against the Israelis at the moment.
Most major global airlines use one medical consultation company that makes an assessment of the passenger’s condition and decides on how quickly the passenger needs to be on the ground. That decision is almost always followed from a liability perspective. Antalya must have been a few minutes closer and had either equal to or greater hospital access than other options.
In fairness, Turkey did the right thing by accepting the unscheduled landing and getting the...
Most major global airlines use one medical consultation company that makes an assessment of the passenger’s condition and decides on how quickly the passenger needs to be on the ground. That decision is almost always followed from a liability perspective. Antalya must have been a few minutes closer and had either equal to or greater hospital access than other options.
In fairness, Turkey did the right thing by accepting the unscheduled landing and getting the passenger medical care. At least politics only came in after that.
If an Aeroflot or Cubana flight from Moscow to Havana needs to make a medical landing in the US, how easy would the process be of allowing it to refuel under current government regulations?
Trump will bring out the welcome wagon for Aeroflot while expropriating and selling the Cubana plane.
Immediately after the last Turkish earthquake Israel was the first nation responding with emergency search and rescue crews. Speaks volumes. N
What was wrong with Rhodes in the first place? Would Turkey treat the patient correctly (if the patient is Jewish)? Sorry to say, but in today's world, political situations can and do override a critical situation with someone ill on board.
A Cubana flight diverting to the US would be no problem. They're good for the bill. Besides the fact many of their international flights are operated by contracted ACMIs, Cuba makes a ton of money off of ATC overflight fees from US carriers. There's enough money in play at any time that most US carriers would probably handle it and settle up.
Do not worry we have Cubsns and Russian in the states! We know how to welcome them properly! Just let them land safely first....
vile.
Just a gentle reminder of who does the Turkish society side with. Think about it the next time you see a cheap TK fare..
I love Istanbul and the local food but it's immoral to finance their regime.
How are the Gulf carriers in this regard? My understanding is that they stay out of the fray but wanted to hear takes given their similar structure of government ownership
Most of the world isn't siding with you just so you know. Looks like from now on you're limited to travel within the United States, Canada, and Western Europe.
Nobody needs them to ‘side’ with Israel. Don’t live in any of the above places and am very much in tune with the views of where I am. I would hope any airline and airport is going to help other people regardless of political differences. Same idea as Air India’s US-bound diversion to Russia — they did not agree politically but did the right thing to help people
Do not get me wrong I have friends with Turkish ancestry but are Americans through and through. They despise what Erdogan has done with Turkey. So it is better to help the secular and western Turks!
On that note even met a TK FA a couple years back who said they hated what Erdogan has done to Turkey. Amazing person as well — some genuinely great secular Turks even there
It's Turkey by the way.
Nope. In 2021 they changed the name to Türkiye, which is actually also its founding name.
I should have said “back to Türkiye”…
In English it's Turkey.
“It's Turkey by the way.”
Sure Jan.
Just like Thailand is Siam, and Sri Lanka is Ceylon.
Therefore please say España, Italia, Deutschland, it’s Brasil not with a z, Nihon not Japan, Misr ( Egypt) and so forth. And please call Bangkok by its proper name - Krung Thep Makha Nakhon. So it’s still Turkey, a country which isn’t in Europe as many would love to believe it is.
Do you call Russia the proper Rossiya? Probably not because in English is Russia, Do you call Germany Deutschland? No you call it Germany…..just as Türkiye is Turkey in English.
It stays with Turkey as an English speaking person..
I’m surprised El Al chose Antalya over Rhodes (where I am currently visiting) or Cyprus. There is good medical care in both places, and Rhodes in particular is very friendly to Israelis (whose investors control a lot on the island). Also, the Rhodes airport can handle just about anything (including a 747, to the extent they’re still flying).
As a member of the EU, this is unacceptable of the Turkish government. It should be immediately condemned and forbidden by Brussels and the rest of the European Union, if Turkey wants to remain a member. Politics should play no role in aviation or passenger safety.
You might want to look at your list of EU members ;)
Might wanna check your facts there. Turkey isn't in the EU.
Duh ? Since when is Turkey in the EU? Never is, never will.
I think you meant to say NATO member. And agree that it is unacceptable.
Not trying to sink your gravy boat .... You may be thinking of NATO. Turkiye has been a member since 1952. Turkiye has always marched to their own drumstick.
Tell me you are American without telling me...
Member of EU HEHEHE
Immediately after the last Turkish earthquake Israel was the first nation responding with emergency search and rescue crews. Speaks volumes.
Fortunately, Turkey is not a member of EU. They applied for membership many times, but should not be admitted. Middle East is not a part of Europe. Big difference in culture and mentality as well.
Are you a member of the EU? I thought the EU only allowed nation states.
Sorry boy! Wishful thinking. The way Erdogan steer his country..it will never dock in Brussels any time soon. Now this situation only makes it more vividly that TR is steering away from the western society.
The only problem with Brussels ejecting Turkey from the European Union is that Turket is NOT a member of said organisation. Slight flaw in your argument!
Jeez, I saw that same plane land this morning at WAW while in transit between LOT flights myself!
Too bad they couldn’t treat it like the Air India diversion of an India => USA flight & simply prioritise aviation safety first.
What a world!!
I'm curious if they had been allowed to refuel in Turkey, how that would have worked since the passengers weren't allowed off the plane. I might be mistaken but I was under the impression planes cannot be refueled with passengers on them
Once on an Qantas A380 (when they were brand new) and we diverted to Hawaii for medical emergency. A380 had never landed there - and they did not have a large hose to refuel - so took a couple of hours to review. But we remained on the jet the whole time. But to the dismay of some passengers (I was in First) - ground staff decided to tour aircraft. As far as I know you can add fuel with passengers on the jet.
i find that hard to believe since Hawaiian airports have served 747s for decades
Planes are routinely refueled with pax on board (after all, otherwise you'd need everyone to deplane during all stopovers). Passengers are simply told to unfasten their seatbelts
@Samo…yup! I’ve boarded aircraft while it was still being refueled, and as you say, just not allowed to buckle up until it’s complete..
Generally yes. However, it all depends on local regulations, regulations of the body in authority over the aircraft, airline procedures, etc. There are some airlines that can't fuel without a pilot or a mechanic on board. Some have, even in the US, had times (even within last few years) where they could not fuel with passengers on the aircraft. Some require flight attendants at evacuation stations. Most require a door open and seat belt sign...
Generally yes. However, it all depends on local regulations, regulations of the body in authority over the aircraft, airline procedures, etc. There are some airlines that can't fuel without a pilot or a mechanic on board. Some have, even in the US, had times (even within last few years) where they could not fuel with passengers on the aircraft. Some require flight attendants at evacuation stations. Most require a door open and seat belt sign off (some don't). In the US, it has various nuances depending on the fueling manual of the operating carrier and what their FAA POI has approved.
I was once in 2018 on a TK flight :) from Buenos Aires to Istanbul via Sao Paulo and passengers stayed on board but AC was off.
Yet the hypocritical Turkish government is perfectly happy to do business with the murderous Russian government.
Disgusting and shameful
But with Antalya probably being the largest Russian airport outside of Russia, no Turk has an issue.
They are learning from US
Antalya is the fastest-growing city in Turkey, and tourists from around the world are discovering its fabulous mix of great beaches and traditional Turkish culture.
So, how did you come by information that it is probably the largest Russian airport outside of
..because they are a lot of Russian tourists, if not by far the largest, having their holiday in and around Antalya!
Turkey could've at least helped out by outright refusing the landing permission upfront so there wouldn't be any choice but go to that Greek airport to begin with.
That one would break some treaties as someone was in danger. El AL could land in IRan due to medical diversion and the passengers would be safe due to treaties. However putting that aside. I feel for the passenger who is in a turkish hospital where there is hostility towards Israelis. I really feel for her. Quick Recovery.
It’s a shame that Turkey isn’t taking the same stance with Russian aircraft.
Touché
At least Turkey is nice enough to allow Israeli flights to fly over their country, something that they cannot do with Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon, Syria and others. I do agree that the pilot should have continued to Israel or diverted to Greece.
Yeah they really need to cut the overflight rights. There must be some sort of carrot or stick being held over the Turks to keep allowing ElAl flying over.
This isn't surprising, since when do Arab countries ever differentiate between civllians and the government/idf. The concept of uninvolved civilians hasn't occurred to them.
This must be satire as the world has a awakened to Israel’s Ruthless killing campaign against Innocent Palestinians and Gaza and the Westbank
Bravo to Ankara for standing up against Genocidal Airways
Repugnant reply. Ben, what happened to your new moderation rules? Remove this vile, ignorant rant.
How clueless do you need to be to write something that dumb?
So the exact same way Israel treats the people on Palestine. The concept of uninvolved civilians also hasn’t occurred to them.
Both sides are shit here.
FYI — and sorry but it sorta shows your level of understanding of the whole situation— but Turkiye is not an Arab country at all.
This should be strongly condemned by all airlines flying to turkey and their airlines flying to the west. Not offering help for an airliner in need is just unacceptable
Amen!
So it wasn’t Antalya Airport that refused to refuel, it was authorities in Ankara?
I'm would guess that this kind of decision is above airport manager's pay-grade and the instructions came directly from Ankara, or at least supported by it.
Sorry, I sent my comment because earlier Lucky said “so authorities in the Turkish capital”… before revising it
So I was wondering. Erdogan did say no more commercial transactions with Israel, so both are possible