Ben Gurion Airport Struggles to Recover Two Days After Sudden Strike Disruptions
Two days after a sudden and chaotic work stoppage at Ben Gurion Airport, efforts are underway to restore normal operations, though delays in baggage handling persist. The airport authority has seen some easing of disruptions, but the situation remains challenging. In response to the crisis, the Airports Authority Council announced it will appoint an internal investigation committee led by the authority's internal auditor to determine responsibility for the closure of check-in counters and the airport shutdown.
Several foreign airlines are reportedly considering legal action against Ben Gurion Airport due to significant financial losses caused by the disruption. The CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Israel condemned the strike, stating that such wildcat shutdowns should never occur, especially given the already difficult operating conditions for airlines.
The investigation follows a decision by the Airports Authority chairman, retired General Yiftach Ron-Tal, who received approval from Transportation Minister Merav Cohen to proceed. With extensive surveillance coverage at the airport, the committee is expected to quickly identify those responsible for the shutdown.
The Finance Ministry estimates the strike's economic damage at around 30 million shekels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the dismissal of Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airports Authority workers' union and a Likud party member, blaming him for the strike's harm to citizens and the economy. Idan denied the strike was organized, attributing the crisis to unilateral and irresponsible management decisions, accusing the authority's leadership of ignoring warnings about staff shortages in baggage handling.
Sharon Kadmi, CEO of the Airports Authority, declined to comment directly on Idan's accusations but confirmed the incident was a serious malfunction not caused by management. Idan emphasized that employees worked exhausting 13-hour shifts to keep the airport functioning and warned that unresolved staffing shortages could severely impact operations during the upcoming Jewish holiday season.
