Ben Gurion Airport Recovers to Full Operation After Strike Disruptions

Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv is returning to normal operations following a day of significant disruptions caused by a strike on August 20, 2026. Despite the chaos, including halted check-ins, delayed flights, and luggage left behind, the airport authority reported that takeoffs and landings are now proceeding as scheduled. Approximately 100,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport on this busy summer Friday.

A major challenge remains the handling of luggage that was not transported with passengers during the strike. The airport authority established a special task force to manage the backlog, coordinating overnight with airlines and ground service companies such as Eurohandling, Lufar, and QAS. Luggage is being sorted and gradually delivered to airlines for return to passengers, including those who arrived in Israel but did not receive their bags.

The airport authority emphasized that luggage processing will continue throughout the day with reinforced teams to complete the task. Flight schedules are operating normally, and terminal activities are running without unusual delays. Although the airport expects typical Friday and summer season passenger volumes, no further extraordinary disruptions have been reported.

The airport apologized for the inconvenience caused by the strike and acknowledged ongoing challenges, including some slow luggage handling and staffing shortages. Industry insiders noted that the true test will be maintaining this restored routine during the current high-traffic day. Airport teams remain active around the clock to ensure operational continuity and resolve remaining issues from the previous day's strike.