New questions have emerged regarding the cancellation of an El Al flight from Eretz Yisroel to Newark that was diverted to Paris early Friday morning after one of the aircraft’s pilots experienced a medical emergency, leaving passengers scrambling to make alternative arrangements as Shabbos approached.

A passenger aboard Flight LY27 contacted Matzav.com following our original report, questioning whether the approaching onset of Shabbos adequately explained why the aircraft did not continue to Newark after landing in Paris.

The passenger also stated that a frum physician aboard the aircraft had treated the ailing pilot during the flight.

“There certainly was plenty of time for the plane to refuel and reembark to Newark,” said the passenger. “Indeed, many passengers were able to book flights back to the States which took off more than 6 hours after we landed. Also, the pilot was treated by a frum physician on board.”

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner had departed Ben Gurion Airport shortly after midnight Friday, October 23, bound for Newark Liberty International Airport. Several hours into the flight, one of the pilots reportedly became ill, prompting the crew to divert to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, where the aircraft landed at approximately 5:30 a.m. local time.

Following the diversion, El Al canceled the remainder of the flight and began arranging alternative transportation for passengers wishing to continue to the United States. Others were accommodated at an airport hotel in Paris, where arrangements were made for kosher meals, minyanim, a Sefer Torah, and assistance from a local rav for Shabbos.

Initial aviation reports attributed the inability to continue the flight to the medical incident and the limited time remaining before Shabbos.

However, the passenger who contacted Matzav.com said that other flights departing considerably later were available to passengers traveling to the United States, raising questions about the specific circumstances that prevented the original El Al aircraft from continuing.

The availability of alternative flights does not necessarily establish that the El Al flight itself could have resumed. A medical emergency involving a pilot can create additional operational complications, including the need for a replacement pilot, crew-duty limitations, and other safety requirements.

Nevertheless, the precise reason for the cancellation of the original flight’s remaining segment has not been publicly clarified.

{Matzav.com}