Just before the High Holidays, Ben Gurion Airport is preparing for a peak day with around 100,000 passengers expected to pass through. According to Israel Airports Authority estimates, about 2.5 million travelers will move through Ben Gurion during the holiday period.
The Israel Airports Authority said operations are currently running normally and flights are expected to operate as scheduled. Still, against the backdrop of holiday congestion and the disruptions recorded last month, the authority is deploying reinforced staff to prevent unusual malfunctions and delays, especially in the baggage handling system.
About three weeks ago, Ben Gurion experienced significant disruptions following a sudden strike that led to delays and unusual congestion at the airport. Preliminary data presented by an internal investigation committee showed that the baggage handling system stopped after workers at sorting stations left their shifts earlier than planned and didn’t continue to the overtime hours that had been agreed upon with them.
Meanwhile, the aviation sector has been warning again in recent days about a manpower shortage in ground handling crews, who are responsible for baggage handling among other tasks. The Israel Airports Authority is monitoring the issue and preparing accordingly for the expected passenger traffic in the coming period.
At the same time, Ben Gurion has seen unusual incidents in recent days, mainly around flights to Uman, ahead of thousands of worshippers traveling to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov for Rosh Hashanah. Dozens of military deserters have been arrested at the airport in recent days, including two who were arrested yesterday moments before takeoff, after they were already on a Wizz Air flight to Poland.
The Israel Airports Authority is calling on travelers to arrive at the airport early, check flight times in advance, and ensure all required documents are ready before leaving for the airport.