Correcting cops, pilots say airport can handle protests and emergency at same time

An association representing pilots from Israel’s major airlines is blowing holes in police claims that an emergency landing earlier in the day justifies blocking a planned protest at Ben Gurion airport.

Police have repeatedly cited the safe early morning landing of United Airlines flight UA91, which turned back after pilots noticed cracks in a cockpit window, as justification for limiting protests planned for the airport Monday, saying routes need to be kept open for emergency vehicles.

But the pilots say the emergency on the United flight was routine.

“A malfunction like this does not require special preparation from the airport (ambulances, etc.). Since the airport prepared for a large incident, it’s possible there were more or other malfunctions,” the pilot association says.

“The ride the police are trying to hitch as if the protest at the airport tomorrow will harm safety at the airport is exaggerated to the utmost,” the pilots’ group adds. “There are endless quick access routes for emergency vehicles within the airport, and the airport emergency system knows how to use them and will help as needed.”