Smartwings flight to Tel Aviv returns to Prague due to engine problem

A Smartwings Boeing 737 MAX flying from Prague to Tel Aviv had to return to Václav Havel Airport in Prague overnight after a problem was detected in one of its engines. The aircraft landed safely, Smartwings spokesperson Vladimíra Dufková told Novinky.

There were 189 passengers and six crew members on board. Prague Airport declared a full emergency ahead of the landing, deploying airport firefighters and emergency crews along with Prague firefighters. Airport operations were temporarily suspended and some flights were diverted, including to Brno. A replacement aircraft was later assigned to the Tel Aviv service.