Missile attack kept secret from passengers

Passengers targeted in today’s failed missile attack on an Israeli airliner said they heard a loud boom just after takeoff, but were told by the crew it was a technical problem.

After landing safely in Israel, the pilot of the Arkia Airlines Boeing 757, Rafi Marek, said he felt a “light hit” and saw two white vapour trails on the left of the aircraft, but initially did not think the plane was under attack, believing instead it had hit a bird.