Passengers at Ben Gurion Airport reported being boarded and then asked to deplane Friday evening, as airlines faced a combination of ground crew shortages, takeoff delays, and technical issues before a planned runway closure. The Israel Airports Authority had earlier said the closure was for routine maintenance and expected to end at 23:00. Some travelers chose to abandon their flights and return home, according to passenger reports.
Passengers at Ben Gurion Airport reported being boarded and then asked to deplane Friday evening, as airlines faced a combination of ground crew shortages, takeoff delays, and technical issues before a planned runway closure. The disruptions come as the airport operates under a temporary takeoff halt that began earlier Friday for routine monthly maintenance, which the Israel Airports Authority said would end at 23:00. Airlines had advance notice of the closure window, but operational issues prevented them from completing departures on time. Some travelers opted to cancel their flights and return home, according to reports from passengers. The full extent of the disruption and whether all flights will be able to depart by the resumption time remains unclear.
4 developments
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Source and signal
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