Israir chief executive Uri Sirkis said on Wednesday that Slovenian authorities prevented a company charter flight from landing for political reasons, forcing the aircraft to divert to Zagreb. The plane was operated by Croatian carrier Trade Air on behalf of the Israeli company, according to KAN.
Permit denial
Slovenian officials cited a lack of necessary permits when blocking the aircraft, the broadcaster reported. The aircraft subsequently altered its course toward Croatia following the refusal.
Political claims
Sirkis told KAN the move reflected Ljubljana’s “clear opposition to the policies and direction pursued by Israel,” characterizing the decision as explicitly political. No immediate statement has been issued by the Slovenian government regarding the incident.