Israeli flight lands in Croatia after Slovenia blocks landing

Slovenia has blocked the landing of a plane chartered by the Israeli low cost airline Israir. 

The aircraft, operated by the Croatian company Trade Air on behalf of Israir, altered its course towards Croatia after Slovenian authorities denied it permission to land, according to the Israeli public broadcaster KAN.

Uri Sirkis, the CEO of Israir, described the action as "political," asserting that it stemmed from Slovenia's "clear opposition to the policies and direction pursued by Israel."

"The Israir flight that was planned to arrive in Ljubljana had to divert to Zagreb because the authorities in Ljubljana are denying landing rights to Israeli carriers, owing to their strong political opposition to the route managed by the Israeli administration. This constitutes a clear breach of EU air agreements," Sirkis stated.

The Slovenian government has not yet released an official statement regarding this issue.

In June 2024, Slovenia joined Norway, Spain, and Ireland in acknowledging Palestine as a sovereign state, and has been one of the most outspoken European countries in its condemnation of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk