Cargo Terminal at Ben Gurion Airport to Operate on Yom Kippur Amidst Backlog

Israel's Ben Gurion Airport cargo terminal is set to operate on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, to address significant backlogs. The "Maman" cargo company cited shortened workdays in September and reduced operations on Fridays and eve of holidays as reasons for the accumulation of goods.

The "Noam Israel" party, led by Avi Maoz, has strongly objected to the decision, demanding that Transportation Minister Miri Regev intervene and halt operations. The party argues that workers should not be required to work on Yom Kippur to clear operational delays.

Maman stated that the terminal will operate around the clock during Yom Kippur and Sukkot's intermediate days to clear the backlog. The company emphasized that the cargo terminal is considered an essential facility and has historically operated in a limited capacity on Yom Kippur to prepare sensitive cargo for flights departing after the holiday. This operation primarily involves preparing perishable goods like food and medicine, not actual flight departures.

Maman further clarified that on Yom Kippur, a minimal team, largely composed of foreign workers, will be present solely to maintain infrastructure continuity and safety, and to oversee refrigerated and specially stored cargo according to regulatory requirements. This minimal operation is consistent with other essential infrastructure services in Israel and does not represent routine terminal activity.