Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry has revealed that the pilot of a Vueling Airlines flight, from which a group of Jewish teens was removed, previously trained two of the hijackers involved in the September 11 attacks, including Mohamed Atta. The pilot, Ivan Chiribella, was confirmed by the airline. The incident occurred when around 50 Jewish children and teenagers, visiting Spain for a summer camp, were removed from a flight at Valencia Airport after singing traditional Hebrew songs on board.

Flight crew reportedly asked the group to stop singing, and when they did not comply, local police were called. The police instructed the group to place their phones on the ground to prevent recording, and a 21-year-old group leader was detained after intervening. The children were ultimately denied boarding and left stranded at the airport, with no official explanation or compensation from the airline. Local organizations have since provided them with meals and accommodations as they seek alternative travel arrangements.