Who Is Responsible for Compensating Passengers After Sudden Strike Chaos at Ben Gurion Airport

On August 20, 2026, a sudden strike at Ben Gurion Airport caused severe disruptions, leaving many travelers stranded and their luggage behind even after flights resumed. Passengers faced long queues and overcrowding both at the airport and abroad, with airlines asking them to manage the gap caused by delayed baggage themselves. The key question arising is who is liable to compensate passengers for the inconvenience and losses.

Attorney Aner Abilov, specializing in commercial and civil litigation, explained that the primary responsibility lies with the airlines and flight organizers. According to the Aviation Services Law, airlines must provide assistance to passengers whose flights are canceled, including refunds, alternative tickets, and sometimes financial compensation. However, suing the Ministry of Transport or the Airport Authority is unlikely to succeed, as there is no legal basis to hold them accountable for passenger damages. Claims against the workers' union are theoretically possible but require proving separate tort liability, damage, and direct causation, which is very difficult.

Abilov further clarified that airlines are exempt from paying compensation only if the cancellation results from a "protected" strike. A slowdown or strict adherence to work rules, known as an "Italian strike," does not automatically qualify as protected, potentially removing the airline's exemption. The burden of proof lies with the airline to demonstrate the strike directly caused the cancellation and that it took all possible measures to prevent it.

Even if an airline is exempt from financial compensation, it must still provide assistance such as food, accommodation, communication, and refunds or alternative tickets. This obligation is independent of whether the strike is deemed protected or not, ensuring passengers receive some support despite the strike's nature.