Ben Gurion Airport Workers Ordered Back as Flight Delays Continue for Hours

Ben Gurion Airport experienced severe disruptions on Thursday due to a labor dispute that led to significant flight delays and baggage handling issues. After hours of chaos, the workers' union instructed employees to return to their posts, and the Israel Airports Authority began reorganizing the flight schedule. Despite the gradual resumption of operations starting at 3 p.m., delays are expected to persist for several more hours as the backlog is cleared.

The disruptions occurred on one of the busiest days at the airport, with over 100,000 passengers expected. Check-in procedures were halted for some flights, and airlines including Arkia reported delays. A sharp dispute arose between the Airports Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and workers' representatives over responsibility for the disruptions. The union denied claims that workers abandoned their duties, stating no strike was declared and that staff remained on site managing the situation.

The workers' union and the Histadrut labor federation attributed the crisis to a long-standing shortage of personnel, warning authorities for months about insufficient staffing ahead of the busy summer season. They emphasized that workers are striving to resolve the issues amid difficult conditions and called for addressing the root causes rather than assigning blame.

Government officials indicated that if it is confirmed workers did not stop working, responsibility will be placed on the Airports Authority management. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning, saying, "Anyone who stands in the way will be sent home," signaling zero tolerance for operational disruptions. Meanwhile, Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli threatened disciplinary action against any employee who unlawfully abandoned their post.

Passengers at the terminal reported confusion and lack of clear information, with some being advised to forgo checked baggage to avoid missing flights. The situation remains unstable as the airport continues to manage the accumulated delays and operational challenges, with accountability debates expected to continue even after normal service resumes.