Pinehas Idan Responds to Likud Ouster, Warns of Ongoing Ben Gurion Airport Crisis

Pinehas Idan, chairman of the Airport Authority workers' committee, has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to expel him from the Likud party following recent disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport. Speaking to Kan News, Idan dismissed the political move, stating, "I was in Likud before Bibi and will remain after him," and downplayed the significance of his party membership status.

Idan also issued a stark warning about the continuing operational crisis at Ben Gurion Airport, emphasizing that without a significant increase in staffing, further disruptions are inevitable during the upcoming holiday season. He stressed, "If workers are not recruited, we will not get through the holidays. It's a waste of time; don't say I didn't warn you."

The controversy erupted after chaotic scenes at the airport, where thousands of passengers faced delays due to halted check-in counters and flight disruptions. The Airport Authority blamed the workers' committee for an illegal strike that harmed the public and the economy, prompting Netanyahu to remove Idan from Likud. However, Idan refuted these claims, asserting that no strike was initiated by the committee and that workers completed their shifts as scheduled. He accused management of failing to prepare adequately for the afternoon shift despite repeated warnings, which he said led to the crisis.

Idan concluded that unless the staffing shortage is addressed immediately, the airport will continue to experience severe congestion, especially during peak holiday travel periods.