Ben Gurion Airport Declares Crisis as Check-In Halts Amid Summer Travel Surge

Ben Gurion Airport experienced a severe operational crisis on Thursday during the peak summer travel season, leading management to declare a "crisis event" due to critical operational failures and a shortage of parking stands. Check-in procedures for departing flights were immediately suspended after the airport's sorting channel reached full capacity and could no longer handle additional luggage. Check-in staff reported being ordered to stop processing passengers and baggage, resulting in long queues and frustrated travelers.

The airport faces an unprecedented strain from a severe manpower shortage, which has culminated in this crisis declaration. Although no widespread flight cancellations have been announced, the halt in check-in has severely disrupted the flight schedule. Approximately 107,000 passengers and over 610 takeoffs and landings are expected today, placing immense pressure on airport operations.

The disruptions are evident throughout the terminal, with extended wait times and massive lines at security checkpoints and hand luggage screening due to staff shortages. Arriving passengers also face delays of over 90 minutes waiting for their luggage on the conveyors. A duty manager informed staff that there is currently no estimated time for resuming normal sorting and check-in operations.

Amid this operational collapse and the resulting passenger chaos, it was revealed that Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli is currently on a private vacation in Morocco, accompanied by senior ministry officials.