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

A sudden strike at Ben Gurion Airport caused severe disruptions on August 20, 2026, affecting many travelers en route to vacations. Despite flights resuming after agreements were reached, numerous passengers found their luggage remained behind, with airlines asking them to bridge the gap themselves. This situation raised questions about who is responsible for compensating affected passengers.

Attorney Aner Abilov, specializing in commercial and civil litigation, explained that the primary entities responsible for passenger assistance and compensation are the airlines and flight organizers. According to the Aviation Services Law, airlines must provide assistance, refunds, alternative tickets, and in some cases, financial compensation when flights are canceled. However, suing the Ministry of Transportation or the Airports Authority is unlikely to succeed, as there is no legal basis holding them liable for passenger damages. Claims against the workers' union are theoretically possible but require proving separate tort liability, direct damage, and causation, which is 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 rules (a so-called "Italian strike") is not automatically protected, potentially removing the airline's exemption. The burden of proof lies with the airline to show 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 refund or alternative tickets. This obligation is independent of whether the strike is deemed protected or not. Passengers are thus entitled to support regardless of the strike's legal status.