Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Passengers on an EgyptAir flight from Cairo to Brussels experienced a harrowing ordeal on Friday afternoon. The plane circled the Belgian capital, near its designated landing area, before the pilot announced a delay due to technical reasons. He stated he would attempt the landing again and then climbed once more. Some speculated the cause was a malfunction in the aircraft's wing. A sense of unease gripped the passengers, especially after the head flight attendant instructed them to remain seated and still. Passengers were moved from the area near the emergency exits to other seats. Prayers were offered, while some remained silent. After a delay exceeding half an hour, during which the pilot attempted to land, climb, and circle again, the EgyptAir pilot finally landed safely. He was met with applause and a sigh of relief. Passengers exchanged congratulations after narrowly escaping a potential disaster. Upon landing on a different runway, far from the intended landing area, passengers witnessed fire trucks and ambulances nearby, and buses were waiting to transport them to the arrival terminals.