El Al Passenger Plane Entered Lebanese Airspace At Beginning Of War - Report

By i24
Posted on 12/10/23 | News Source: i24

The incident unfolded when the pilot, navigating storm clouds in the northern part of Israel, realized the need to divert around them

An El Al Dreamliner passenger plane heading towards Fort Lauderdale in the United States inadvertently entered southern Lebanese airspace during the second day of the war with Hamas, according to a report from Israel Hayom. 

The incident unfolded when the pilot, navigating storm clouds in the northern part of Israel, realized the need to divert around them.

In constant communication with both air force and civilian controllers, the pilot received instructions to maneuver around the storm clouds. During this diversion, the aircraft unintentionally entered Lebanese territory while navigating around the weather system.

Controllers promptly directed the plane to reorient westward and exit Lebanese airspace. This unintended entry occurred amidst a highly active airspace due to the ongoing conflict, with flight routes altered for security reasons.

El Al conducted an extensive investigation into the incident, refining company procedures. Officials stress that at no point were passengers or crew endangered.