A Wizz Air flight from Rome to Tel Aviv was thrown into chaos moments before takeoff on Friday after a passenger unexpectedly requested to leave the aircraft, triggering a security response that forced all passengers to deplane and delayed the flight. It was later determined that the man had asked to get off because he feared the delayed departure would lead to chilul Shabbos.

The incident unfolded just before departure, after boarding had already been completed. According to passengers, the man suddenly insisted on leaving the aircraft without initially explaining his reason. His unusual behavior raised alarm among fellow travelers, prompting the captain to halt the flight while Israeli security personnel and local police were called to inspect the aircraft.

Under standard airport security procedures, once a checked passenger leaves an aircraft, that passenger’s luggage must also be removed from the cargo hold before the flight can continue. As crews began unloading the baggage, many of the approximately 300 passengers believed the flight had been canceled.

Passengers said the cabin crew had already announced that boarding was complete when the man unexpectedly requested to deplane.

“The flight attendant announced that boarding had ended, and then this man decided he wanted to get off the flight,” said M., a passenger on board. “He didn’t explain himself, he didn’t give any reason why he wanted to leave, he didn’t communicate with anyone, not in English and not in Italian. He didn’t even apologize. An entire plane was standing there because of him, and he wouldn’t even look at us. His behavior was very, very strange.”

As passengers waited for security forces to arrive, anxiety spread throughout the cabin.

“He didn’t care that an entire plane was waiting, with Israelis panicking, angry, and frightened,” M. said. “We’re all trying to get home from our vacations. There were many children on board, and above all there was a great deal of panic. He just stared straight ahead as if nothing around him mattered.”

Some passengers grew increasingly suspicious of the man’s conduct, prompting the flight crew to involve police rather than take any chances. The passenger was detained for questioning while everyone on board was escorted back to the terminal.

Authorities then carried out a complete security screening of both the aircraft and all passengers before preparations could begin for a new departure.

“We’re waiting for buses to take us back to the terminal so they can unload our luggage,” M. said. “At the moment, there’s no estimate for when we’ll take off. The flight was canceled because of security reasons that have nothing to do with the passengers, and all we want is to get home safely.”

Following the security investigation, officials determined that the passenger was an observant Jewish man who had requested to leave the aircraft because he feared the delayed departure would result in chilul Shabbos. His request to deplane, however, set in motion the mandatory security procedures that delayed the flight.

Wizz Air disputed reports that the flight had been canceled, saying it was only delayed while the additional security procedures were completed.

“The flight from Rome to Tel Aviv was slightly delayed due to an additional security inspection. Passengers were asked to disembark so the additional inspection could be carried out, and the flight will depart as soon as it is completed. The safety of our passengers and crew remains the airline’s highest priority,” the airline said.

{Matzav.com}