Ben Gurion Airport Gradually Resumes Flights After Severe Disruptions and Staff Dispute

Ben Gurion Airport began gradually resuming landing and takeoff operations from 3:00 PM on August 20, 2026, following a major disruption that halted arrivals and slowed departures earlier in the day. The resumption follows a reorganization of the flight schedule, with dozens of flights at risk of cancellation. The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) urged passengers to stay in contact with airlines for updates on flight times and possible changes.

The disruption was triggered by severe congestion in baggage handling and check-in areas, leading to a declared "crisis event" at the airport. Arrivals were completely stopped from 2:00 PM, and departures slowed significantly due to a backlog of luggage and lack of available parking spots for aircraft. The IAA blamed the airport workers' union for orchestrating work slowdowns, while the union and the Histadrut labor federation attributed the crisis to a severe staffing shortage and inadequate preparation for summer travel volumes.

Transport Minister Miri Regev, currently on private vacation in Morocco, instructed the IAA management to file a complaint with the labor court against the workers' union. She condemned the union's actions as holding tens of thousands of Israeli citizens hostage and warned of heavy consequences. Meanwhile, airport staff continued passport checks but could not process check-ins normally due to baggage conveyor belt blockages.

The chaos also affected Israeli passengers in Dubai who were on connecting flights to Israel, with hundreds stranded at Dubai airport uncertain if their flights would depart that day. The IAA reported that 140 out of 159 scheduled departures had been delayed earlier in the day. The airport was handling 620 flights and over 107,000 passengers on this busy travel day.

The IAA warned that if operations did not resume by 2:30 PM, the airport might face a complete shutdown, making it difficult to restore the flight schedule. The union denied any sudden strike order, emphasizing the ongoing manpower crisis and lack of adequate summer readiness, which they claim they had repeatedly warned the IAA and the Transport Ministry about over recent months.