Full Breakdown
Israeli Flight Diverted After Slovenia Denies Landing Permission
6/3/2026, 8:19:06 PM
Core Event: Flight 6H755 Diverted to Zagreb
On 3 June 2024, Israir flight 6H755, scheduled to travel from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv to Ljubljana, Slovenia, was denied landing clearance by Slovenian aviation authorities. The aircraft was rerouted and landed in Zagreb, Croatia, marking the first recorded refusal of an Israir flight to land in Slovenia.
Background: Political Transition and Prior Hostilities
The denial occurred amid a governmental transition in Slovenia. The outgoing administration, led by Prime Minister Robert Golob, recognized a Palestinian state in June 2024, barred Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, and revoked a 2003 decision allowing Israeli security officers to carry firearms at Ljubljana Airport. A right-wing coalition headed by Janez Jansa—known for pro-Israel positions—was expected to assume power shortly after the incident.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Uri Sirkis – Chief Executive Officer, Israir
- Miri Regev – Israeli Transport Minister
- Israeli Foreign Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority – intervened to secure landing permission
- Slovenian aviation authorities – issued the denial (no individual named)
- Robert Waltl – Director, Jewish Cultural Center, Ljubljana (commented on the incoming government)
Data & Statistics
- Flight number: 6H755
- Date of diversion: 3 June 2024
- Origin: Tel Aviv, Israel; intended destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia; actual landing: Zagreb, Croatia
- First instance of an Israir flight being refused entry to Slovenia.
Official Statements & Responses
Israeli officials described the denial as a breach of EU open-skies regulations. The Foreign Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority intervened but could not obtain clearance. Transport Minister Miri Regev called the action an “unacceptable political step” that harms Israeli citizens and warned that Israel would respond “using all the tools at our disposal.” The Israeli side emphasized that the incident threatens the reliability of established aviation agreements across the European Union.
Criticism and Opposition
Israir’s leadership asserted that the refusal was politically motivated, citing Slovenia’s recent diplomatic stance toward Israel. Observers warned that allowing political considerations to override aviation accords could set a precedent for other EU member states, potentially disrupting airline operations and passenger mobility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official statement from Slovenian authorities is provided, leaving the precise legal rationale for the denial unclear. Sources differ on whether the Jansa government had already formed or was merely expected to take office, reflecting uncertainty about the exact timing of the transition. Reliability scores among the sources range from 39.17 to 44.15.
Verbatim Quotes
- “this is an unacceptable political step that directly harms the citizens of Israel, and anyone seeking to boycott us through the aviation sector must understand that there will be consequences” — Miri Regev, Israeli Transport Minister
- “Israel will not stand idly by and will act using all the tools at its disposal” — Miri Regev, Israeli Transport Minister
- “This is a blatant violation of EU air agreements.” — Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir
- “The Israir flight scheduled for Ljubljana had to land in Zagreb because the authorities in Ljubljana are refusing Israeli carriers to land, due to their firm political opposition to the route operated by the Israeli government.” — Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir
- “I approach every new government with cautious hope and democratic respect,” — Robert Waltl, Director, Jewish Cultural Center, Ljubljana
Implications for Israeli-European Aviation
The diversion highlights tension between national political decisions and EU aviation frameworks. Repeated refusals could create operational uncertainty for Israeli carriers throughout Europe, prompting diplomatic engagement to safeguard open-skies commitments.
What’s Next
Slovenia’s forthcoming right-wing government under Janez Jansa is expected to reassess aviation policy toward Israel. Ongoing diplomatic discussions aim to resolve the dispute and determine whether direct flights to Ljubljana will resume.
