Vueling denies deplaning of over 50 Jewish teenagers motivated by antisemitism
Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling has denied that the removal of over 50 Jewish teenagers from a flight at Valencia Airport (VLC) was motivated by antisemitism.
On July 24, 2025, the IAG-owned airline released a statement defending its staff after the incident in which a choir of 52 teenagers and their director were escorted off a plane.
A spokesperson for Vueling said that the “behavior of the passengers compromised the integrity of the flight” and put the safety of other travelers at risk.
The airline said the teenagers “adopted a highly conflictive attitude” on July 23, 2025, while boarding took place for the flight to Paris Orly Airport (ORY).
According to the airline their behavior included improperly handling emergency material, disrupting the safety demonstration and repeatedly ignoring instructions from the cabin crew. Local media reported that the group was also singing songs.
“Despite multiple warnings, the inappropriate behavior persisted forcing the immediate activation of established safety protocols. The crew, acting with complete professionalism and in accordance with Vueling procedures, requested the intervention of the Civil Guard,” the spokesperson said.
After evaluating the situation, the Civil Guard proceeded to disembark the group. In its statement, Vueling claimed that some of the passengers removed continued to display “aggressive” behavior.
According to El Espanyol, the female director of the choir was arrested after they were all removed from the aircraft.
The Israeli Minister of Diaspora and the Fight against Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, described the event as an “antisemitic incident”.
Responding to such claims, the Vueling spokesperson said: “We categorically deny any claim that links our crew’s decision to the religious expression of the passengers involved, which we absolutely respect. The decision was taken solely and exclusively to guarantee the safety of all passengers.”
They added: “At Vueling we categorically reject any form of discrimination without exception.”
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The post Vueling denies deplaning of over 50 Jewish teenagers motivated by antisemitism appeared first on AeroTime.
Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling has denied that the removal of over 50 Jewish teenagers from a flight at…
The post Vueling denies deplaning of over 50 Jewish teenagers motivated by antisemitism appeared first on AeroTime.
