Head of Israel Airports Workers Union Denies Strike Amid Staffing Crisis Ahead of High Holidays

Pinehas Idan, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority workers union, strongly denied claims that employees initiated a strike or work stoppage following severe disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport on August 20, 2026. In a statement to workers, Idan called these allegations "an absolute lie" and placed responsibility for the chaos on the airport authority management, accusing them of closing service counters and shifting blame onto the staff.

Idan highlighted the ongoing severe shortage of personnel, which has forced workers to endure exhausting 13-hour shifts under stressful conditions, leading many to physical exhaustion and injuries. He warned that without immediate reinforcement of staff, the airport would struggle to operate effectively during the upcoming Jewish High Holidays (Tishrei).

In a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli, Idan demanded urgent government intervention to address the manpower crisis and protect workers' health and dignity. He emphasized that the disruptions were not caused by employee actions but stemmed from chronic understaffing and inadequate preparations for the summer travel surge.

The previous day’s disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport resulted in widespread delays, lost luggage, and long waits for thousands of passengers. The Airports Authority blamed the union for orchestrating the stoppage, while the Transportation Workers Union denied any official work stoppage orders. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the airport would remain open and warned that anyone obstructing operations would be dismissed. Subsequently, Netanyahu instructed the Likud party to expel Idan, citing an "illegal and wild strike" at the airport.

This dispute underscores the critical staffing challenges facing Israel’s main international airport during one of its busiest periods, with union leaders calling for immediate government action to prevent further operational failures.