Airline Defends Controversial Removal of Jewish Teen Group Denies Antisemitism Allegations
Vueling Airlines denies antisemitism allegations after removing 50 Jewish teens from Valencia-Paris flight, citing safety concerns. Incident sparks international controversy.
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Vueling Airlines has issued an official statement denying claims of antisemitism after a widely publicized incident in which approximately 50 Jewish teens were removed from a flight from Valencia to Paris on Tuesday.
The teens, French citizens aged 10 to 15, were returning from a summer camp in Spain when the incident occurred. According to eyewitness accounts and Jewish organizations, the group sang traditional Hebrew songs while boarding and waiting for takeoff. Flight attendants allegedly reacted with hostility, instructing the teens to stop singing, and reportedly stated that "Israel is a terrorist state." The group was later removed from the plane by Spanish authorities. A 21-year-old female counselor was reportedly arrested and physically restrained by police.
In its response, Vueling stated that safety and security were the only motivations behind the crew’s actions. The airline claims the group exhibited disruptive behavior, interfered with safety procedures, touched emergency equipment, and ignored repeated instructions from the crew. These actions, Vueling argues, required the activation of emergency protocols and the intervention of Spanish law enforcement.
"The safety of passengers and crew is always our top priority," the airline said. "The actions taken aboard VY8166 were in direct response to behavior that compromised flight integrity and passenger safety."
Vueling further alleged that even after being removed from the plane, some of the teens acted aggressively toward officers, and that one individual was detained.
Addressing the claims of religious discrimination, the airline stated, "We categorically reject any suggestion that this decision was based on the passengers’ religion. The sole purpose of our actions was to protect the safety of the flight. At Vueling, we condemn all forms of discrimination without exception."
The company concluded by expressing regret over the situation, thanking affected passengers for their patience.
Despite the airline’s denials, the incident has sparked public outrage in France and among Jewish communities worldwide. Jewish organizations and political figures are calling for an independent investigation. It remains to be seen whether regulatory or legal action will follow.