Antalya Airport Workers Refuse to Refuel EL AL Boeing 737-800 After Medical Emergency Diversion

On June 30, 2024, an EL AL Boeing 737-800 diverted to Antalya Airport (AYT) in Turkey due to a medical emergency. The aircraft, registered as 4X-EKA, was en route from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). Despite the emergency, ground handling workers at Antalya Airport refused to refuel the aircraft, forcing it to make an additional stop in Rhodes, Greece, before continuing to Tel Aviv.

According to the Times of Israel, the refusal to refuel the aircraft came after a passenger had disembarked to receive medical treatment. EL AL confirmed the incident, stating that the refusal necessitated a diversion to Rhodes International Airport (RHO) for refueling. The aircraft then proceeded to its final destination, Tel Aviv.

Tensions Between Israel and Turkey

The refusal to refuel the EL AL aircraft is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and Turkey. Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023, relations in the region have been strained. On April 9, 2024, the Turkish Ministry of Trade announced export restrictions on 54 product groups to Israel, citing the need for Israel to declare an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and allow uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the region.

Direct flights between Israel and Turkey have been significantly impacted. While some airlines briefly resumed flights, the frequency and availability have been inconsistent, with many carriers suspending services due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Impact on EL AL

Despite these challenges, EL AL has shown resilience. In the first quarter of 2024, the airline reported a substantial increase in available seat kilometers (ASK), load factors, and revenue, with a year-on-year growth of 15%, 9%, and 47.5%, respectively. This growth translated into a pre-tax profit of $100 million for Q1 2024, a significant turnaround from a $26 million loss in Q1 2023. Factors contributing to this improvement include better cargo yields and higher passenger revenues driven by increased load factors and flight activity. EL AL also announced plans to renew its fleet with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, indicating continued confidence in its growth trajectory.