An Arkia Airlines flight from Rhodes to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing at Ben Gurion after a wheel malfunction — all 161 passengers and crew escaped unharmed.
Panic and tension gripped Ben Gurion Airport on Monday evening when an Arkia Airlines Airbus A320, carrying 161 people, declared an emergency following a serious wheel malfunction during its approach from Rhodes.
The crew’s first two landing attempts failed, prompting the pilot to alert ground control and request immediate emergency protocols. Security and rescue teams raced to the runway, preparing for a potentially catastrophic landing scenario.
After tense moments in the air, the aircraft touched down safely on its third attempt, bringing the ordeal to a relief-filled conclusion. There were no reported injuries among passengers or crew, though many were visibly shaken as they disembarked.
Arkia Airlines has yet to release an official statement on the nature of the malfunction, but aviation experts say that wheel and landing gear issues are among the most critical in-flight emergencies, often requiring precision flying and calm under extreme pressure.
Airport operations briefly paused during the emergency response but have since returned to normal.
