IAA: Ben Gurion Airport operations return to normal, ~100,000 passengers today

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said Friday that operations at Ben Gurion Airport have returned to normal, with approximately 100,000 travelers passing through the hub today. Baggage that was delayed during Thursday's sudden strike is gradually being transferred to airlines and delivered to passengers, according to journalist Dan Fisher (N12).

The Israel Airports Authority confirmed Friday afternoon that Ben Gurion Airport has returned to normal operations, with approximately 100,000 travelers expected to pass through the hub today. Baggage that remained stranded after Thursday's sudden work stoppage is being gradually transferred to airlines and delivered to passengers, the IAA said, according to journalist Dan Fisher (N12).

The disruption began Thursday at approximately 12:25 Jerusalem, when check-in was halted due to heavy congestion. By 12:48, the workers' committee declared a surprise strike, shutting down all check-in counters. The airport declared a 'crisis event' and warned it could close entirely. After talks, the sides agreed to end the strike at 15:00, but the fallout extended into Friday morning, with airlines reporting that baggage handling remained dysfunctional.

Thursday's strike occurred during a peak summer travel day, with over 107,000 passengers and more than 610 takeoffs and landings scheduled. The walkout came amid ongoing tensions between airport management and workers over staffing and working conditions.

The IAA said Friday that normal activity has resumed and the flight schedule is operating as usual. The Authority had earlier criticized the strike as 'extreme and unnecessary.' No further disruptions are reported.

10 developments

1. 16:54 · 22 AugLatest

   Ben Gurion Airport remains free of congestion two days after chaos.

2. 16:25 · 21 Aug

   Baggage backlog from earlier disruptions is now being cleared and delivered.

3. 16:10 · 21 Aug

   100,000 passengers today; luggage from yesterday's disruptions is being cleared.

• Developing21:10 · 1 AugIAA: Ben Gurion operating normally, no change to flight schedule
• Developing22:17 · 25 JulBen Gurion operating normally, departure halt is routine maintenance, IAA says
• Developing15:22 · 16 JulBen Gurion Airport parking lots full due to congestion, authority says
• Developing07:20 · 4 AugBen Gurion Airport braces for heavy congestion; updated travel recommendations issued

Source and signal

• Open-source intake