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El Al Flight Delayed After Luggage Tagged With 'Free Palestine' Stickers
Passengers' bags removed from plane, leading to 62-minute delay on flight from LA to Tel Aviv
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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An El Al flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv was delayed on Monday after 140 passengers' suitcases were removed from the plane after being found tagged with 'Free Palestine' stickers. The flight was delayed by 62 minutes as the bags were offloaded, though the plane arrived 67 minutes late into Tel Aviv.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the heightened security measures and sensitivities around flights to and from Israel, where any perceived security threat is taken extremely seriously. The delay caused inconvenience for passengers, though authorities prioritized safety protocols over expediency.
The details
According to reports, the El Al flight 6 from LAX to Tel Aviv on Monday was delayed after the 'Free Palestine' stickers were discovered on 140 passenger bags. The bags were removed from the plane, leading to a 62-minute delay before departure. The flight then had a 37-minute taxi before taking off, ultimately arriving 67 minutes late into Tel Aviv.
- El Al flight 6 from LAX to Tel Aviv was scheduled to depart on Monday.
- The bags were discovered and removed from the plane 62 minutes after the scheduled departure time.
- The flight then departed 62 minutes after the scheduled time and arrived 67 minutes late into Tel Aviv.
The players
El Al
The national airline of Israel, known for its strict security protocols.
Ofek
The Israeli Aviation Security Directorate that operates under Shin Bet security guidelines and mandates El Al's baggage screening procedures.
What they’re saying
“It's better to arrive safely without the suitcase than the alternative.”
— Lead flight attendant (Ynet)
What’s next
El Al stated the bags were fully vetted and returned to Israel on subsequent flights, indicating the issue has been resolved. Authorities will likely investigate the source of the 'Free Palestine' stickers to determine if any malicious intent was involved.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the heightened security protocols in place for flights to and from Israel, where any potential security threat is taken extremely seriously by authorities. While the delay caused inconvenience, the focus on passenger safety is paramount in these sensitive situations.
