Internal Probe Blames Early Worker Departures for Ben Gurion Airport Chaos

An internal investigation into the August 20th chaos at Ben Gurion Airport has preliminarily concluded that early departures by baggage sorting staff, who refused to work overtime as scheduled, were the primary cause of the massive disruptions. The investigation, presented to the Airports Authority Council, found that workers left their shifts earlier than planned, leading to a severe overload in the baggage handling system. In response, the airport manager ordered a halt to baggage transport and the closure of check-in counters to prevent further system collapse. The initial findings deemed this decision "correct and appropriate."

The incident saw tens of thousands of passengers facing significant delays and waiting hours for their luggage, with some flights departing without bags. The decision to stop check-in was a point of contention, with the head of the Airports Authority workers' union, Pinchas Idan, admitting he instructed workers to end their shifts after nine hours, not the agreed-upon twelve. However, he maintained that the airport manager was responsible for closing the check-in counters, arguing that the departure of a limited number of porters was not sufficient reason to shut down operations.

Airport Authority management presented a different account, stating that the employees were aware of the 12-hour shift requirement, including overtime, and their early departure was unexpected. They argued that without these workers, continuing check-in would have exacerbated the crisis, leading to mixed-up baggage and inability to load flights. The investigation is ongoing, with no personal conclusions drawn yet, and a final report is pending.

The disruptions cost the economy an estimated NIS 25 to 30 million. The crisis has intensified a dispute between the Authority's management and Idan, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering his removal from the Likud party. The chairman of the Airports Authority Council is also exploring canceling Idan's extended tenure.

Meanwhile, Ben Gurion Airport is preparing for the upcoming High Holidays, anticipating unprecedented passenger volumes. Airport manager Zohar Gefen has warned staff of the expected surge and urged continued operational commitment to manage the load and maintain service levels.