Longtime Likud Figure Pinhas Idan Holds Key Influence Over Israel's Ben Gurion Airport Operations

On a peak travel day at Ben Gurion Airport, thousands of Israeli passengers faced severe delays and chaotic scenes as flight schedules collapsed and luggage piled up. The Israel Airports Authority quickly blamed a sudden workers' strike, while the union insisted the disruption stemmed from a critical staff shortage rather than an intentional strike. This incident once again highlighted Pinhas Idan, a dominant and influential figure within the airport authority for nearly four decades.

Pinhas Idan, 70, originally from a Libyan immigrant family, began working at the airport in 1979 as a laborer and driver after his military service. Rising through the ranks, he was first elected to the workers' committee in 1982 and became head of the general workers' committee in 1986. Despite frequent changes in CEOs, transport ministers, and prime ministers, Idan has maintained his position almost continuously for about 40 years, leading a powerful union representing roughly six percent of the airport's workforce.

Under Israeli labor law, sudden work stoppages without prior legal declaration are illegal. Idan, however, argued the current crisis was due to systemic understaffing. Transport Minister Miri Regev, vacationing in Morocco at the time, instructed the airport authority to immediately petition the labor court to halt what she called an "illegal and violent strike," warning that those holding Israeli citizens hostage would pay a heavy price.

Idan is seen by thousands of airport workers as their staunch protector of wages, working conditions, and job security. Conversely, many managers, politicians, and the public view him as a forceful leader who exploits his control over a state monopoly to achieve his goals. A veteran Likud member and former mayor of Lod (1998-2000), Idan commands a disciplined base within the party, making him a political power broker. However, his union role has sometimes clashed with party interests, notably in March 2023 when he ordered a halt to takeoffs during a general strike, leading to internal party complaints and an admission from Idan that the strike was illegal.

Despite political pressure, Idan remains a Likud member and continues to prioritize workers' interests. His typical defense against strike accusations focuses on poor working conditions and staffing shortages. When terminal workloads peak and employees face long shifts in difficult conditions, his union often applies pressure through overtime stoppages or targeted delays. For Israeli travelers, this results in frustration, flight cancellations, and delays. For Idan, these disruptions demonstrate his indispensable role and the necessity of full support for his workers. Whether the current turmoil will help him secure his demands remains uncertain, but the immediate cost is borne by the passengers.