Arkia A320 Makes Emergency Landing at Ben Gurion After Gear Failure

(TEL AVIV) An Arkia Airlines Airbus A320 flying from Rhodes to Tel Aviv declared an emergency on Monday evening, August 11, 2025, after a suspected landing gear problem and landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport following multiple approaches. Authorities and local media reported no injuries among the roughly 160–161 people on board.

The flight, Arkia IZ076 (Rhodes RHO → Tel Aviv TLV), made several approaches as crews worked through checklists linked to gear warnings before touching down with all wheels observed on the runway. The Israel Airports Authority briefly suspended takeoffs and landings while fire and rescue teams lined the runway, as standard when a jet reports an equipment issue tied to the front wheel or the broader landing gear system.

What happened (media summary)

• Ground News’ event roundup aggregated reports from six outlets including Walla and Greek media such as Kathimerini, CNN Greece, and in.gr.
• The Jerusalem Post said the Israel Airports Authority declared a state of emergency after the reported equipment failure and that the Airbus made three failed attempts before a successful landing.
• Some outlets cited three approaches, while others referenced a fourth; passenger counts varied by one seat (160 vs. 161) across reports.
• All accounts agreed on the key outcome: a safe landing and no injuries.

According to community and local updates that tracked the aircraft’s progress, crews on the ground could see the jet during its passes. The aircraft held, circled, and set up for repeated approaches consistent with troubleshooting steps for gear indication anomalies. After touchdown, passengers disembarked and emergency units cleared the runway, allowing Ben Gurion to resume regular movements.

Key confirmed details

• Flight: Arkia IZ076, Rhodes → Tel Aviv
• Aircraft: Airbus A320
• People on board: About 160–161
• Issue reported: Suspected landing gear / front wheel malfunction; described as “equipment failure”
• Approaches: Three reported by multiple outlets; some cited four
• Airport status: Brief suspension of arrivals and departures
• Outcome: Safe landing; no injuries
• Timing: Evening of Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 (local)

Airport response and procedures

When a cockpit warning suggests a gear problem, standard operating procedures are activated:

1. Pilots run the aircraft checklists to confirm whether the gear has locked.
2. They may request visual confirmation from ground crews or perform a low pass for inspection.
3. Ground teams stage firefighting and rescue units (foam-capable units included) along the runway.
4. Air traffic control spaces outbound and inbound flights and may temporarily suspend movements.

“Firefighters and medical teams positioned along the runway” — the Israel Airports Authority’s emergency declaration matched the typical playbook used at major airports worldwide for potential gear issues.

VisaVerge.com reports that these steps are common across international hubs when a jet reports a gear anomaly, ensuring rapid response if hazards such as tire collapse, nose-gear fold, or brake fire occur. While none of those hazards occurred here, the readiness posture reflected the range of risks crews plan for.

For official updates on airport operations and public notices, the Israel Airports Authority maintains an information portal at https://www.iaa.gov.il/.

Investigations and likely next steps

• As of Aug. 12, public reports did not include a maintenance finding, and Arkia had not released a technical explanation for the warning.
• Standard practice after a landing gear alert is an internal review by the airline and its maintenance partners to determine whether a sensor fault or other issue triggered the cockpit indication.
• The source material did not reference any airworthiness directives or regulator notices in the first 24 hours; if investigators identify a part or systemic fault, guidance from the manufacturer or regulator could follow.

Travel impact and practical advice for passengers

The most direct effect was the short disruption at Ben Gurion during the response window. Even a brief suspension can ripple into delays, especially during peak evening bank operations. People waiting for departures or inbound connections in Tel Aviv likely saw revised departure times while the runway was reserved for IZ076’s arrival and safety checks.

Practical steps if you’re affected by an airport emergency:

• Monitor your airline’s app and text alerts for gate and departure changes.
• Keep your passport and entry documents accessible in case you’re moved to another gate or flight.
• Allow extra time for screening and boarding once operations resume, since crews may process several delayed flights at once.
• For airline-specific assistance—such as rebooking after a delay tied to an emergency response—contact Arkia’s customer service through the carrier’s standard channels.

Context and broader notes

• The Jerusalem Post’s account aligned with Greek outlets on the main points: Arkia-operated Airbus A320 from Rhodes, suspected gear issue, multiple approaches, a state of emergency at the airport, and a safe outcome.
• Ground News’ compilation captured minor discrepancies typical of fast-moving events (three vs. four approaches; 160 vs. 161 onboard).
• Arkia operates a mixed fleet on regional routes; the Airbus A320 is a widely used narrow-body jet with redundant systems, manual extension options, and strict maintenance schedules that help convert potential emergencies into controlled events — as seen in Tel Aviv.

For ongoing updates on airport operations, monitor the Israel Airports Authority portal at https://www.iaa.gov.il/. For airline-specific assistance, contact Arkia directly through its usual customer-service channels.