Ben Gurion Airport Union Head Claims Manager Made Hasty Decision to Close Terminal

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) Council received preliminary findings on Sunday from an internal investigation into the chaos at Ben Gurion Airport on August 20th, which resulted from a halt in operations. Pinchas Idan, chairman of the IAA Workers' Union, who attended the meeting uninvited, stated that "they agreed with me in the meeting that the manager of Ben Gurion Airport, Zohar Gefen, made a hasty decision to close the airport." A follow-up meeting has been scheduled.

Idan, who has faced criticism for the surprise strike during peak travel season, addressed the IAA's statement from the day of the disruption. The statement had announced a gradual reduction in air traffic, starting at 2 PM, leading to a complete halt in landings and a gradual cessation of departures. Idan, who has since been expelled from the Likud party, asserted that the preliminary findings indicated the airport manager ordered the closure after baggage handling teams stopped working, causing delays. He claimed this was not disputed during the meeting, as check-in counters were subsequently closed.

Idan expressed concern about "pre-arranged outcomes," noting that the preliminary report was prepared by the IAA's internal auditor and an external accounting firm. He called for an investigation by the Mossad, Shin Bet, or police to uncover the truth, emphasizing that the airport manager, who had been in his role for only three months, made the decision under pressure. Idan argued there was no reason to close the airport, as an additional shift was due to arrive within two hours, and the chaos stemmed from employees collapsing from the workload. He thanked IAA Chairman Yiftah Ron-Tal for allowing him to speak.

Other attendees at the meeting accused Idan of making "thuggish threats," including claims that he could control all activity at the airport and block its entrance with 200 people if he wished. The preliminary findings suggested that the decision to halt the baggage handling system was a correct one, made in response to approximately 35 workers suddenly leaving their posts. The investigation is ongoing, and a final report will be submitted to Transportation Minister Miri Regev, after which decisions regarding accountability will be made. The IAA stated that the published remarks were inaccurate and contradicted factual documentation, asserting that the decision to stop the baggage system was appropriate given the circumstances.