Overview
- A ground tug struck an Israir Airbus A320 (registration YR-ADC) while it was being towed on Friday, July 17, damaging the aircraft and forcing cancellation of Flight 6H116 that would have carried about 300 passengers to Tel Aviv.
- Israir says this was the third time in under a year that one of its planes was hit by a service vehicle at London Luton Airport, and the airline contends previous incidents were not properly investigated by airport management.
- Israeli aviation officials have formally asked British and local authorities for a comprehensive probe because they believe the pattern could suggest intentional, nationalist‑motivated acts, though no public evidence of deliberate sabotage has been released.
- London Luton Airport and the contracted ground‑handling operators deny the strikes were deliberate and say they are cooperating with investigators while stressing the airport's safety record.
- Passengers reported being held onboard for extended periods without air conditioning and some needed minor medical care; affected travelers were rebooked or housed in hotels and the inquiry could affect liability, compensation and handling procedures if negligence or wrongdoing is found.