Ben Gurion Airport Faces Massive Congestion with 90 Flights Delayed in Three Hours

Ben Gurion Airport is experiencing significant congestion on Friday, with an unusual buildup of approximately 90 flights within just three hours. The Israel Airports Authority attributes the delays to heavy air traffic and restrictions in European airspace, particularly over Greece, as well as the presence of American refueling flights. They deny reports of strikes or staff shortages.

The authority explained that a high concentration of landings in a short period creates substantial pressure on the entire airport operation chain, affecting aircraft handling speed, wait times, and baggage unloading. Limited availability of parking stands further reduces operational flexibility and increases ground service strain.

Approximately 90,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion today on inbound and outbound flights. The combination of high activity volume, flight buildup, and operational constraints impacts the entire handling process and may cause delays, including in baggage delivery.

To manage the congestion, the Israel Airports Authority is deploying reinforced ground crews, logistics teams, and baggage handlers working continuously under challenging heat conditions to expedite aircraft and cargo processing and minimize delays. The authority expressed regret for passenger inconvenience and urged the public to remain patient, emphasizing that all teams are working at full capacity to address the situation.