Ben Gurion Airport Braces for Record Passenger Traffic Ahead of High Holidays
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Ben Gurion Airport anticipates a record 2.5 million passengers during the High Holidays, with extensive preparations to prevent disruptions after a recent strike. Separately, draft dodgers have been arrested attempting to flee the country on flights, including to Uman.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ben Gurion Airport expects 2.5 million passengers during the High Holidays.
- Thursday is the busiest travel day with over 100,000 passengers.
- Authorities are implementing measures to prevent disruptions after a recent strike.
- Staff shortages among baggage handlers are causing concern.
- Dozens of draft dodgers have been arrested attempting to leave Israel.
Ben Gurion Airport is preparing for an exceptionally busy High Holiday season, anticipating approximately 2.5 million passengers passing through during the Tishrei holidays. This marks the first Rosh Hashanah since the war began where the airport is returning to full, continuous operation, with many foreign airlines resuming flights to Israel after a long hiatus.
Thursday is expected to be the busiest travel day of the holiday period, with over 100,000 passengers and around 570 international flights scheduled just before Rosh Hashanah eve. Heavy passenger traffic is projected to continue throughout the holidays, with an estimated 88,000 passengers on September 21st and approximately 92,000 passengers on September 25th and September 29th.
The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) is implementing extensive measures to prevent disruptions similar to the major strike that occurred three weeks prior. While current operations are reported as normal, the IAA is working to avoid any sudden breakdowns. Airline companies recently warned of a personnel shortage among baggage handlers, which had previously caused flight delays. Some airport workers noted that the management's reinforcement of staff, implemented after the August incident, has ended, and the shortage is now keenly felt.
While the exact cause of the August strike remains unclear, internal investigation data suggests the decision to halt baggage transport was made after sorting station employees left their shifts early, refusing to work agreed-upon overtime hours. Separately, unusual incidents continue to occur, particularly concerning flights to Uman, Ukraine. Dozens of draft dodgers have been apprehended in recent days, including two who were arrested just before boarding a Wizz Air flight to Poland on Wednesday.
