Ben Gurion Airport Staff Use Helium Balloons to Retrieve Stuck Balloons from Ceiling

At Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, a common question among travelers is how helium balloons that get stuck on the high ceiling of the arrivals hall are retrieved. The surprisingly simple method involves maintenance workers who, about once a week, walk around with a helium balloon attached to a long string. This balloon is wrapped with double-sided tape, allowing them to catch and pull down the stranded balloons one by one until the ceiling is cleared.

These workers often go unnoticed, blending in as if they are simply holding balloons for arriving passengers. The collected balloons that are still in good condition are tied together and usually donated to children’s hospital departments across the country. This practical and efficient solution has been shared in various reports, but many travelers remain unaware of the process.

The article also touches on other curiosities about Ben Gurion Airport, such as the length of the duty-free corridor and where to find the cheapest coffee, highlighting the airport’s many interesting details beyond flight schedules and queues.