A El Al flight en route to Israel was diverted to mainland Greece after a passenger was detained onboard.
According to Israeli publication N12, a passenger onboard the aircraft tried to break into the cockpit, only to be subdued by an inflight security guard and handcuffed.
Flight LY2522 left Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) for Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on February 8, 2024, just after 4:35 pm local time. It was due to land in Israel at 6pm.
But following the incident, and in the interests of caution, the decision was made to divert the Boeing 737, registered 4X-EKI, to Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) in Greece.
“El Al takes the incident seriously and takes all the necessary measures according to the procedures and the law in coordination with the relevant enforcement authorities. We show zero tolerance for violence and will continue to take care of the safety and security of our passengers,” El Al said in a statement.
It is understood that the passenger was removed from the flight with the help of local police.
El Al is known for the high levels of security measures used on its flights, which include reinforced cockpit doors and guards dressed as regular passengers.
