An unusual medical emergency unfolded aboard Arkia flight IZ597 from Tel Aviv to Bangkok after a toddler, around two years old, fell ill mid-flight.
In response, the aircraft made an unscheduled diversion to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to allow the child to receive urgent medical attention.
Arkia said the cabin crew acted immediately in line with standard procedures. Following consultations with medical authorities, the decision was made to land as quickly as possible to ensure the child could be treated without delay.
After landing, the family was escorted to a local airport clinic, where the child underwent medical evaluation and received initial care. The family later disembarked from the flight and the infant was transferred for further treatment.
The incident was also reported to the Foreign Ministry, which is coordinating with local authorities and providing assistance as needed.