Israel-bound flight makes emergency landing in Greece
El Al aircraft diverted after smoke alarm sounds; no injuries reported
By Times of Israel staff August 15, 2013, 9:54 am
An El Al flight bound for Israel from New York made an emergency landing at Athens International Airport early Thursday morning after the smoke alarm sounded on the plane. The aircraft landed safely and no injuries were reported.
Flight LY004, a Boeing 747, was carrying some 324 passengers and crew, who were put up in Athens hotels until alternative transport to Israel could be arranged.
A team of technicians were sent from Israel to examine the aircraft. In a statement, El Al said that it strictly follows safety procedures for its aircraft and “considers flight safety to be paramount.”