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 and a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Merav Erez, Idan called these allegations "an absolute lie" and placed responsibility for the operational chaos on the airport authority management.

Idan highlighted the ongoing severe manpower shortage that has forced workers to endure exhausting 13-hour shifts under intense pressure and heat, leading many to physical injury and exhaustion. He accused the management of making the "outrageous decision" to close check-in counters, which worsened passenger disruptions and unfairly blamed the workers.

Warning of a worsening crisis, Idan urged immediate government intervention to increase staffing levels, emphasizing that without reinforcements, the airport will be unable to handle the upcoming Jewish High Holidays. His letter demanded urgent action to protect workers' health and maintain airport operations.

The disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport caused widespread delays, lost luggage, and long waits for thousands of travelers. While the Airports Authority claimed the disturbances were directed by the union, the Transport Workers Union denied any official work stoppage, attributing the problems to chronic understaffing and inadequate summer preparations. Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed the airport would remain open and threatened dismissal for anyone obstructing operations, subsequently instructing the Likud party to expel Idan over what was described as an illegal strike.