A strike at Ben Gurion Airport, described as Israel’s only gateway to the world, disrupted flight and baggage services. Many flights operated without baggage, while queues, delays and uncertainty affected thousands of passengers at the airport.
Channel 12 reported that the strike was costing the Israeli economy 25–30 million shekels a day, equivalent to approximately $8–10 million.
Regev and senior officials face criticism
As the crisis at the airport continued, Transport Minister Miri Regev, who was vacationing in Morocco, and senior ministry officials came under public criticism.
Likud orders expulsion of workers’ representative
Likud, the party of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, announced that instructions had been given to expel Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Airports Authority Employees’ Committee, from the party.
The party described the strike as “irresponsible and illegal,” arguing that it harmed citizens and caused economic damage.

Flights temporarily suspended
Ben Gurion Airport experienced disruptions to baggage collection as well as flights over the past two weeks. During the strike, all check-in counters were closed and flights were temporarily suspended.
The airport was closed to arriving aircraft at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Flights gradually resumed shortly afterward.
Netanyahu said the airport would remain open and continue operating normally, using harsh language toward the employees who walked off the job.