Egypt prevents another Israeli plane from crossing its airspace

Israel's foreign minister David Levy has officially expressed Israel's deep concern over Egypt preventing of another Israel planes on Tuesday night to cross through Egyptian airspace. Levy handed over the Egyptian ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Bassyouni, who was summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry an Israeli "note of objection" in this regard.

A spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said Levy considered this matter to be very critical, and for his part Bassyouni said this aspect is technical.

Abdel Fattah Kato, the chairman of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority said, "We told the Israeli authorities of the need to ask for a licence for the Israeli planes in order to be able to pass through the Egyptian airspace."

He continued, "But they ignored our calls and Israel aircraft tried several times to pass (through the Egyptian airspace) without permit."

Kato added, "However, our air control authorities give them enough time to get the permit."

He said, "The plane was given an immediate permit (to pass) after making the necessary contacts. The pilot of the flight, which was heading to Johannesburg, did not have a previous permit to pass through the Egyptian airspace as the international aviation accords demand."

On Wednesday, the Egyptian authorities prevented an Israeli passenger plane from flying in Egyptian airspace on its way from Tel Aviv to Bangkok.

Moreover, Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy said he is trying to get answers from Egypt on why it die not permit the Israeli El Al plane to fly in Egyptian airspace on Wednesday night, especially as it is the first time in one week that the Egyptian authorities prevented Israeli planes from flying in its airspace.

Another Israeli plane was prevented several days ago from flying in the Egyptian airspace.