Investigation Committee to Probe Ben Gurion Airport Shutdown Amid Dispute Over Strike

Following a day of mutual accusations over the massive disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport, the Airports Authority Council has decided to appoint an internal investigation committee led by the Authority's internal auditor. This decision was announced on the Friday evening news. Several foreign airlines are reportedly considering suing Ben Gurion Airport for heavy losses caused by flight cancellations. The CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Israel condemned the shutdown, stating such wild disruptions should never occur, especially given the already challenging operating conditions for airlines in Israel.

The investigation was initiated after the Airports Authority chairman, retired General Yiftach Ron-Tal, consulted with Transport Minister Miri Regev, who is currently in Morocco, and received her approval to proceed. Since the airport is equipped with extensive camera surveillance, the committee is expected to quickly identify those responsible for closing check-in counters and shutting down the entire airport.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry estimates the strike-related damages at around 30 million shekels. The Likud party announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the removal of Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airports Authority workers' union, from the party following the strike, which harmed citizens and the economy. Earlier, Idan denied reports of an organized strike causing the severe congestion and flight cancellations. In a letter to Netanyahu and Minister Regev, he blamed the crisis on a unilateral, provocative, and irresponsible decision by management rather than the workers.

Sharon Kadmi, CEO of the Airports Authority, declined to comment on Idan's claims but affirmed that the source of the failure was not management. He called the event a serious malfunction that must not recur. Idan emphasized there was no strike or planned work stoppages, accusing management of ignoring warnings about staff shortages in baggage handling and labor. He claimed workers endured exhausting 13-hour shifts to keep the airport operational and warned that unless staffing issues are resolved promptly, the airport will face serious challenges during the upcoming busy Jewish holiday season.