Taxi Drivers Complain of Filthy, Foul-Smelling Restrooms at Ben Gurion Airport
Taxi drivers working at Ben Gurion Airport have raised serious concerns about the poor condition of the restroom facilities provided for them outside Terminal 3 on the second floor. According to drivers, the portable restroom trailer serving dozens to hundreds of drivers daily is dirty, malodorous, and insufficiently maintained. Ron Ackerman, a taxi driver who frequents the airport multiple times daily, described the toilets as clogged, with yellow urine stains, unemptied waste, scattered toilet paper, and a pervasive foul smell. He emphasized that despite paying five shekels per entry to the airport authority, the cleaning frequency is inadequate, sometimes only once a month.
Zohar Golan, chairman of the Taxi Drivers Association, added that the trailer was initially welcomed as a solution due to the lack of restrooms on that floor, but it has since deteriorated significantly. He noted that the trailer lacks lighting, has an open door compromising privacy, and suffers from drainage problems causing sewage to spill onto the ground. Golan also highlighted the absence of women's restrooms, which creates difficulties for female drivers. Both drivers stressed that the facility is connected to proper sewage infrastructure but lacks ventilation and regular cleaning.
The airport authority responded that the restroom trailer is cleaned daily and serves a large number of drivers. They provided footage of cleaning operations and stated plans are underway to build a permanent, improved facility. The authority also pointed out that restrooms inside the terminal are available to all users, but some individuals choose to relieve themselves outside designated areas. The airport continues efforts to maintain cleanliness and improve services for all users.
This ongoing issue reflects the challenges faced by taxi drivers who rely on these facilities during long shifts at the airport, underscoring the need for better maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
