Israir Reports Flight Delays Amid Ongoing Chaos at Ben Gurion Airport

Israir has updated its flight schedule as disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport continue, affecting all its flights. Several flights to and from destinations including Batumi, Tivat, Larnaca, and Budapest are currently delayed or waiting, while others are en route to landing or scheduled to depart. The airline emphasized that despite efforts to maintain the timetable, no guarantees can be made due to the ongoing operational challenges.

The disruptions follow a particularly busy day at Ben Gurion, with over 100,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport. The day saw significant delays, baggage handling issues, and schedule changes across airlines. Although a gradual resumption of takeoffs and landings began at 3:00 PM, the airport's flight schedule is still stabilizing, and further delays are anticipated.

Israir detailed specific flights currently landing, such as Budapest-Tel Aviv flight 728 and Batumi-Tel Aviv flight 890, alongside flights on hold like Tivat-Tel Aviv flight 178 and Tel Aviv-Larnaca flight 583. Upcoming departures include Tel Aviv to Paphos, Rhodes, Corfu, London, Berlin, Heraklion, Vilnius, and Rome. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses before heading to the airport and to stay updated via Israir’s website and social media.

The turmoil coincides with a dispute between the Ministry of Transport and the Transport Workers Union within the Histadrut. The ministry accused some workers of abandoning their posts, threatening disciplinary action, while the union denied any strike or work stoppage, attributing the chaos to long-standing staffing shortages. The situation remains fluid, with Israir advising travelers to remain patient as the airport works to restore normal operations.