Spanish airline removes 50 French-Jewish children from flight over 'aggressive behaviour'

A Spanish airline crew removed 50 French-Jewish children and their summer camp director from a flight after the group allegedly displayed “highly disruptive behavior." The incident, which occurred on a Vueling Airlines flight in Valencia, sparked outrage and accusations of antisemitism from pro-Israel supporters.

According to reports, the children, aged between 10 and 15, were singing in Hebrew, while flight staff maintained that the group displayed 'aggressive behaviour' that put others' safety at risk.

Despite repeated warnings from the flight crew, the group reportedly continued their behaviour, prompting the crew to call the police before takeoff. The children and their camp director were subsequently escorted off the plane.

A video circulating online showed the camp director being arrested by Spanish authorities while lying on the ground. She was later released, while the children remained at the airport awaiting transportation back to France.

The incident drew criticism from Israel, with Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli accusing the airline crew of calling Israel a "terrorist state" and claiming that their actions were influenced by "Hamas’s campaign of lies."

Read more: Spain decides to join Gaza genocide case against Israel at ICJ

In response to the backlash, Vueling Airlines issued a statement denying allegations of antisemitism. The airline said the decision to remove the group was based on safety concerns, citing their "violent and aggressive behaviour."

“Despite several warnings, the inappropriate conduct persisted, which forced the immediate activation of established safety protocols,” the statement read.

Vueling further clarified that the children were not removed due to their religious identity or cultural practices, stressing that the airline does not tolerate any form of discrimination.

It added that the staff handled the situation with professionalism and in accordance with company procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.