Ben Gurion Airport Faces Closure Amid Sudden Strike During Peak Travel Season

A sudden strike erupted on Thursday at Ben Gurion Airport, leading to the closure of all check-in counters. This disruption comes on one of the busiest days of the year, in August, with nearly 100,000 passengers and 600 flights scheduled. Due to the strike, pilots and airlines were informed that the airport would close at 14:00.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) stated it is currently dealing with operational disruptions caused by the workers' union, which are affecting service to passengers. The IAA management has demanded an immediate halt to any actions disrupting normal operations and warned that it views any deliberate interference with the airport’s function, especially during the busy summer period, very seriously. If the disruptions continue, the authority intends to urgently seek intervention from the Labor Court.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Minister, Miri Regev, issued a stern warning that those participating in the strike would face severe consequences. Airlines worldwide have already begun removing passengers from flights scheduled to depart for Israel, reflecting the strike’s international impact. All parties at Ben Gurion Airport are working to minimize the strike’s effects and maintain operational continuity and passenger service as much as possible.