Ben Gurion Airport Halts Check-In Amid Severe Summer Congestion and Delays

Ben Gurion Airport in Israel is experiencing significant operational disruptions due to an unusual malfunction in its baggage sorting system. On August 20, 2026, during peak summer travel, the airport issued an internal directive to immediately stop check-in procedures for upcoming flights because the sorting channel reached full capacity and could not process additional luggage. This halt has caused extensive queues and delays for departing passengers, though no flight cancellations have been reported so far.

In addition to the check-in freeze, passengers face long waits at security checkpoints and for hand luggage screening. Arriving travelers are also affected, with some waiting over an hour and a half at baggage claim to retrieve their luggage. A duty manager at the airport told N12 that there is currently no estimated time for a return to normal operations, indicating ongoing challenges in managing the flow of passengers and baggage.

Despite these disruptions, flight schedules continue to operate with delays rather than cancellations. The airport is grappling with the peak summer travel surge compounded by technical issues, leading to a chaotic situation for both departing and arriving passengers.