Ben Gurion Airport Chaos Continues Hours After Partial Resumption of Operations

Ben Gurion Airport experienced severe disruptions on one of the busiest travel days of the year, with nearly 100,000 passengers and 600 flights affected. The airport authority announced a gradual resumption of operations from 3:00 PM following a partial shutdown that began at 2:00 PM due to a labor dispute. Earlier, the airport's workers' union was accused of initiating a strike, which the union denied, attributing the chaos to severe staff shortages and poor working conditions.

The airport authority reported that after discussions between the airport director, CEO, and union chairman, workers returned to full duty, and efforts to increase staffing were underway. Despite this, the backlog and delays are expected to persist for several hours or possibly a full day. The public was urged to check with airlines for updates. The union chairman, Pinchas Idan, emphasized the lack of sufficient manpower and harsh working conditions, rejecting claims of a planned strike and highlighting ignored warnings about staff shortages.

The transportation ministry is investigating the incident, warning of serious consequences if a sudden strike is confirmed during peak travel season. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited the airport the day before, stated that the airport would remain open and operational, warning that anyone obstructing operations would face dismissal. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Miri Regev, who recently toured the airport with Netanyahu and Idan, condemned the union's actions and instructed the airport management to seek legal action against the union.

Passengers reported extreme overcrowding, long delays, and inadequate facilities amid hot weather. Some described the situation as a nightmare, with canceled flights and long waits for luggage. The airport authority expressed regret over the disruption and stressed ongoing recruitment efforts to address staffing shortages. The labor union and the Histadrut federation denied authorizing a strike, blaming the crisis on chronic understaffing and insufficient preparation for summer travel demands.

Senior aviation officials indicated that if prior warnings about staffing shortages were ignored by management, serious personnel changes could follow. Investigations are also examining whether any employees abandoned their posts, with disciplinary actions planned. The airport authority called the shutdown an extreme and unnecessary measure that primarily harms travelers, urging resolution through dialogue rather than disruption.