Slovenian Authorities Block Israir Flight, Forcing Diversion to Croatia 🤬
An Israir Airlines flight bound for the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana was forced to divert and land in Zagreb, Croatia, after Slovenian authorities abruptly denied the aircraft permission to land.
Israir Chief Executive Uri Sirkis strongly condemned the decision, stating that the landing refusal was entirely politically motivated due to the Slovenian government’s firm opposition to Israel’s policies. Sirkis emphasized that the sudden restriction constitutes a blatant violation of international open-skies agreements and European Union aviation laws.
While Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority immediately intervened to resolve the diplomatic dispute and safely reroute the plane to its original destination, consecutive emergency efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Transportation Minister Miri Regev reacted sharply to the incident, labeling it a disqualifying political boycott and warning that Israel will utilize all available tools to defend its airlines and citizens from unlawful flight interference.
The escalating aviation row comes at a time of severe political transition within Slovenia. While the outgoing administration has maintained a deeply critical stance toward Jerusalem—including the formal recognition of a Palestinian state—the country is currently shifting toward a conservative government led by Janez Janša, who is widely anticipated to establish a highly pro-Israel foreign policy.
