Overview
- Last week a sudden work slowdown at Ben Gurion forced the airport to briefly close to incoming flights and caused major delays and cancellations.
- The Israel Airports Authority says a short agreement with the workers’ union has returned baggage, security and ground services to full operation.
- Union chair Pinchas Idan denies the workers’ committee ordered a strike, was expelled from Likud after the disruption, and plans to petition the courts over mandatory 12-hour baggage‑handler shifts.
- The union says the airport lacks roughly 400 to 500 staff and that many employees face extended 12‑hour shifts and heavy monthly hours, a claim the IAA disputes and has questioned for consistency.
- Authorities have redeployed managers, begun recruitment and stepped up training, but unresolved staffing and shift disputes leave Ben Gurion vulnerable as Rosh Hashanah travel picks up.