Surprise staff strike at Ben-Gurion Airport brings airport to standstill as check-in counters halt

Ben-Gurion Airport experienced a significant disruption Thursday as staff halted all check-in counters, citing a "crisis" stemming from operational difficulties, challenges with aircraft loading and unloading, and a shortage of parking stands. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed it is dealing with work stoppages initiated by the workers' union that are affecting airport operations and passenger services.

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If there is no change, Ben-Gurion Airport will close at 2:00 p.m.

A spokesperson for the airport warned that operations could cease entirely by 2:00 p.m. if the disruptions continue. The situation is particularly acute as approximately 100,000 travelers are expected to pass through the airport today. The presence of over 20 American refuelers occupying parking stands near Terminals 3 and 1 is exacerbating the problem, lengthening the time required for luggage transport and passenger shuttling to and from aircraft not connected to jet bridges.

Employees have reportedly adopted an "Italian" strike, also known as a "work-to-rule" or "slowdown" tactic. This strategy involves employees adhering strictly to official rules and regulations, effectively grinding work to a halt. Such tactics are often employed by sectors legally restricted from striking, including baggage handlers and air traffic controllers.

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immediately cease any action that harms regular work and to restore operations to full routine. The Authority views with utmost severity any deliberate action liable to harm the traveling public and the proper functioning of Ben-Gurion Airport, especially during summer peak loads and high operational volumes.

The Public Transport Authority issued a demand for employees to "immediately cease any action that harms regular work and to restore operations to full routine." The Authority stated it views any deliberate action harming the traveling public and the airport's functioning with "utmost severity," especially during peak summer travel periods. The director-general of the Transportation Ministry indicated an investigation is underway, with a promise of strong action against those responsible if an Italian strike is confirmed. The Ben-Gurion Workers' Committee has distanced itself from the announcements.

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We are investigating the incident; we are in a peak period with refuelers present, but if the investigation reveals an Italian strike, we will act with a very heavy hand against whoever is behind this.