Strike Halts Operations at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on Busiest Travel Day

Thousands of travelers at Ben Gurion Airport faced locked check-in counters and halted ground services on one of the busiest days of the year, as a strike by screening staff disrupted airport operations. Approximately 105,000 passengers were expected to pass through the airport, but an unusual announcement from airport management warned of a "crisis event," leading to widespread chaos. Internal communications revealed the strike was directed by the airport workers' union, causing operational difficulties including unloading and loading delays, aircraft parking shortages, and a gradual suspension of landings starting around 2 p.m.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) stated it was working to restore normal operations gradually and urged passengers to stay in contact with airlines for updates. The strike's timing during peak summer travel was seen as a pressure tactic, but legal experts noted that such actions must be proportionate and a last resort, warning the labor court might view this strike as excessive given the circumstances. Transportation Minister Miri Regev instructed the IAA to petition the labor court to end the strike, while the head of IATA Israel, Kobi Zusman, condemned the disruption, emphasizing that labor disputes should not harm passengers or airlines.

The IAA blamed the union for the extreme step, highlighting the impact on families and travelers who had planned their vacations for months. The union cited severe and ongoing staffing shortages and inadequate preparation for summer peak loads as the root causes, denying any order to stop work and criticizing management for failing to address the manpower crisis despite warnings. The IAA noted ongoing recruitment efforts but stressed disputes should be resolved responsibly without harming passengers.

The strike forced some flights to divert or remain airborne, with foreign airlines like Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Air France canceling flights to Israel. Passengers at the airport faced long delays, and some were sent home pending rescheduled flights. Regarding compensation, airlines may be exempt from statutory payouts if the strike is deemed an extraordinary circumstance beyond their control. However, passengers might have legal claims against the IAA. The disruption underscored the critical need for adequate staffing and planning at Israel's main international gateway.