Greek plane lands safely in Israel after issuing emergency call

July 11, 2013 at 10:25AM

JERUSALEM — A Greek plane landed safely in Tel Aviv without anyone being hurt on Thursday after issuing a rare mayday call on its approach to Israel's Ben Gurion international airport.

The plane had apparently suffered a hydraulic problem around noon and was forced to take measures for an emergency landing, said airport spokesman Ofer Lefler.

All 170 people on board, passengers and crew, were safe and well, said police spokesmen Micky Rosenfeld.

Tel Aviv was the plane's original destination and was part of its regular flight routine.

Mayday signals are rare and security-conscious Israel went on high alert around the airport after Thursday's call.

Israeli media reported that the emergency call prompted large numbers of ambulances and rescue teams to rush to the airport and hospitals were put on standby.

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