300 Israelis Remain Stranded in London After Israir Jet Is Damaged

About 300 Israelis remained stranded in London on Friday after an airport service vehicle struck Israir Flight 116 during towing at Luton Airport, damaging the aircraft and preventing its departure for Tel Aviv. Passengers said they waited aboard for hours before the flight was canceled and they were returned to the terminal for their baggage. The airline arranged transport and hotels, and offered reimbursement for independently booked lodging, travel and meals. It said it was working to operate a replacement flight during the day, while Shabbat-observant passengers who could not depart before candle-lighting were scheduled to return on Sunday.