A Wizz Air flight from Rome to Israel was disrupted Friday shortly before takeoff after a passenger unexpectedly asked to leave the aircraft, apparently because he was concerned that taking the flight could lead to chillul Shabbos, N12 reported.

The incident began after boarding had already been completed. According to passengers, the man asked to get off the plane without initially explaining why, prompting suspicion and concern among some of those onboard. Police were called, and the passenger was detained for questioning.

Around 300 Israeli passengers were then evacuated from the aircraft and returned to the terminal while additional security checks were carried out. Israeli security personnel also arrived to inspect the plane.

It was later determined that the passenger had refused to take off because he feared doing so could result in chillul Shabbos.

Wizz Air said the Rome-to-Tel Aviv flight was slightly delayed due to an additional security inspection. The airline said passengers were asked to leave the aircraft so the inspection could be conducted and that the flight would depart once the checks were completed, adding that passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)