Ben Gurion Airport Implements Measures to Ease Holiday Crowds Amid Staffing Concerns

Ben Gurion Airport has resumed regular operations following last week's strike-related chaos, but concerns remain about potential disruptions during the upcoming Jewish High Holidays. The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) announced on Sunday several measures developed in coordination with the workers' union to alleviate congestion, including onboarding and training new staff. However, doubts persist whether these steps will be completed in time to significantly improve conditions before Rosh Hashanah, which is less than three weeks away.

The IAA outlined three key actions after a joint meeting with the union: restoring full operational services for baggage handling, security, and ground operations; having management and headquarters staff join frontline shifts, especially in baggage and queue management; and continuing recruitment of new employees in preparation for the holiday season. The authority urged travelers to check flight times with airlines and follow instructions when arriving at the airport.

Last Thursday, amid complaints about excessive workload on baggage handlers, Ben Gurion was closed to landings for about an hour, causing severe delays, flight cancellations, and many passengers departing without their luggage. The IAA blamed the union for a deliberate strike, but union chairman Pinchas Idan denied this, attributing the crisis to chronic understaffing and heavy workloads. The union reported a shortage of 400 to 500 employees across all divisions, warning that without urgent action, passenger service quality will deteriorate further during the holidays.

According to the union, over 100 employees are on reserve duty and dozens more are absent due to long-term illness, injuries, or workplace accidents. The shortage affects key areas such as operations, firefighting, security, and baggage sorting and transport. Staff working hours have been extended from eight to twelve hours per shift due to the pressure. The union holds the IAA management responsible for recruitment difficulties and poor handling of the crisis, demanding immediate and comprehensive solutions.

The IAA rejected the union's figures as inconsistent and accused the union of exaggerating numbers to justify the disruption and damage caused to passengers. The authority dismissed the union's claims as attempts to retroactively rationalize the recent operational failures.