Chaos at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport amid Unofficial Ground Staff Strike

Israel’s main international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport, descended into disorder Friday morning as numerous flights were delayed due to what has been described as an unofficial strike by ground services personnel. 

The disruption has sparked widespread confusion and frustration among travelers, particularly at the height of the busy summer travel season.

According to reports by Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, passengers were informed by pilots that the delays were caused by a so-called "Italian strike",  a form of protest where employees perform only the bare minimum required by their contracts. In this case, baggage was deliberately left unloaded, delaying aircraft departures.

Despite mounting reports of disruption, the Israel Airports Authority denied the existence of any official labor strike. In a brief statement, it attributed the delays to "heavy traffic congestion" within the airport but provided no further details.

However, Israel’s Channel 12 quoted internal airport sources confirming a “crippling crisis” triggered by protest actions from disgruntled ground staff. These employees are reportedly demanding better wages and immediate recruitment to address severe staffing shortages, issues exacerbated by the surge in air travel during the peak summer period.

Ben Gurion Airport, the country's primary air travel hub, has long operated under heightened security constraints. That backdrop has intensified concerns, with aviation analysts warning that even minor logistical disruptions could have outsized ripple effects on flight schedules and traveler safety.

Officials fear that unless the demands of airport workers are addressed promptly, the crisis could escalate. Dozens of flights have already been affected, with delays expected to continue into Friday evening.

Passengers are advised to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport and to prepare for potential schedule changes.

The Israeli aviation industry has only recently rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. The emerging labor unrest now poses a significant threat to the stability of air operations during what is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year.