It was the 4X-EKC. The reason was an electrical malfunction.

LY5 (TLV-LAX) 4X-ECA diverted to BIL (Billings, MT).
Audio is here, from landing through firetruck escort at the gate (http://archive-server.liveatc.net/kb...2015-1230Z.mp3)

how LY is going to get all the pax to LAX from Billings, MT is beyond me

Their sending a 777 from EWR to pick them up.

Had a bunch of friends on the flight.

Interestingly, someone emailed me about that flight and about a number of other LY flights that had massive mechanical delays ex-BOS over the past week.

Good stuff LY!

Here is the AvHerald article: http://avherald.com/h?article=48f626ed&opt=0

Aircraft has been ferried from EWR as LY1005, is on ground at BIL, and will soon continue flight LY5

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/ELY1005

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/ELY5

It's the major news in Billings, MT, here are pics/videos of the bird on the ground. Two 777s in KBIL is hysterical. Most importantly I'm glad all PAX and crew are safe and sound.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/loca...1661e7873.html

http://www.kulr8.com/story/30523468/...ng-in-billings

It's all the rage that flight!

A Kosher Rescue Mission for El Al Travelers Stuck in Montana - Chabad.org

What's going on with TLV-BOS? Flights seem to be constantly delayed or canceled.

LY016

Canceled

BOSTON
TEL AVIV 21:00 24/11/2015 21:00

And received this email:

Dec. 3rd LTN-TLV flight cancelled due to tech issues
 

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4734874,00.html

Passengers ended up being stranded until after shabbat due to tech issues with the 737 for Thursday Dec. 3rd LTN-TLV flight.

Article mentions a lack of coordination between LY officials in Israel and in London, which is quite problematic, because it likely would have been much cheaper to squeeze pax onto the LHR-TLV flight(s) and sign them over to BA, then to pay for hotel lodging throughout Shabbat which they would have been required to do.

What I don't understand is since when is LHR two and a half hours away from LTN? :confused:

Maybe they meant biking?!

Google Maps is showing me 37 minute drive, 1 hour 5 minute via public transportation, and 2 hour 53 minute bike ride

:D

Must be!... ;)

Havent seen this posted here before but let me know if I just missed it -
The AIAI released their report about an engine failure on 4X-EKA during takeoff from TLV a long time ago. Full report - http://aiai.mot.gov.il/REPORT/RAI_116-12.pdf AvHerald - http://avherald.com/h?article=48df8996&opt=0

In a nutshell, these guys (LY) used someone to check and repair CFM engine blades who wasn't actually certified by CFM to do so.

Also, the report holds a lot of critique and points for future improvement regarding the way the crew and El Al handled the aftermath of the incident. However, there have also been some professional deficits in the final report that have sparked some serious discussion about their ability to reach relevant conclusions and recommendations.