A Wizz Air flight from Rome to Tel Aviv was canceled after a passenger asked to leave the aircraft shortly after boarding was completed, prompting a security response and the evacuation of around 300 passengers.
The incident occurred shortly before takeoff when the passenger asked the crew to let him off the plane but initially did not provide an explanation. The unusual request raised concerns, and the captain contacted Italian police.
Police removed the passenger from the aircraft and took him for questioning. Authorities then ordered all passengers to disembark and return to the terminal while the aircraft and passengers' luggage underwent additional security checks.
Only after the evacuation was it determined that the passenger was not suspected of any security threat. According to Channel 12, the passenger was a Jewish man who asked to leave because he believed the flight would be delayed and feared that he would violate the Sabbath if he remained on board.
A Wizz Air spokesperson said the flight was delayed due to "an additional security check." The airline said all passengers were asked to disembark so the screening could be completed, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority.
The incident ended without injuries, but hundreds of passengers were delayed in the terminal while arrangements were made for an alternative flight to Israel.