An El Al flight heading to Toronto, Canada with 194 passengers on board was compelled to turn around and make an unscheduled landing back in Tel Aviv not too long following takeoff.

Flight LY029 took off heading to Toronto without incident. A serious incident suddenly took place when one of the plane’s motors stalled. After reporting what occurred the decision was made to turn around back to Ben-Gurion Airport.

One of the passengers explained that loud explosions were heard from the left side of the plane. While many passengers became concerned, the cabin crew assured everyone there was no need for concern.

There were a number of chareidim on the flight including HaGaon HaRav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi Shlita, Rosh Yeshiva Ateres Yisrael and a member of the Degel Hatorah Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael.

An emergency was declared in Ben-Gurion as ambulances and first responders were dispatched to the airport. B’chasdei Hashem the plane touched down without incident. Another plane was arranged for the passengers on Sunday morning 12 Elul at 06:30.

Rami Nir, who is chief of ground operations at the airport told Kikar Shabbos “The pilot of the flight to Toronto informed the control tower of the malfunction, requesting to head back to the airport. Emergency crews took up position. After landing the passengers were taken back to the terminal.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)