'I can only feel safe flying with an Israeli company' said one passenger
Crew members from a flight from Tel-Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport to Paris on Thursday were allegedly attacked by Israeli passengers, reported Israel's Ynet news.
According to the report, the violence broke out after passengers realized the flight would be serviced by a Czech airline, and not the Israeli airline Arkia they had paid for.
According to members of the Czech flight team, Israeli passengers refused to board the flight due to the current security situation in Israel, adding that the passengers swore and attacked them, saying that they would only agree to get on the flight with an Israeli flight team.
"I paid to fly with an Israeli company and I won't have Czechs flying me. I can only feel safe flying with an Israeli company," Yossi, one of the travelers, told Ynet.
Police were called to the scene once there were reports the passengers began to get violent against the Czech flight crew, even though there were two Arkia flight attendants on the flight.
After the police arrived, the majority of the passengers agreed to get on the flight, but a few still chose to stay behind.
Baffled by the reaction of the passengers, Arkia released a statement saying that "the Czech airline is one of the biggest and most reliable airlines in Europe and leases aircraft to several Israeli companies. They also operate regular flights between Israel and Europe."
Daniela, who witnessed the hostilities, explained that "there was a big commotion and they called the police because there were beatings going on," she said, adding that "the flight was already an hour late and it was terrible. There was a violent passenger who inflamed the situation."
Arkia released a statement saying that "we are astounded at the exaggerated response from some of the passengers. We wish a pleasant flight to those who are now on their way."
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