Behind the congestion and lost luggage at Ben Gurion Airport: "There is no strike. There is plenty of work and no manpower"

Workers at Ben Gurion Airport claim that the congestion and delays stem from a shortage of manpower, resulting from the Israel Airports Authority's seasonal employment model, which includes periodic layoffs of veteran workers. The Authority denies the claims and attributes the congestion to restrictions in European airspace.

Current and former workers at Ben Gurion Airport claim that the heavy congestion and prolonged delays in takeoffs and baggage handling stem from a severe manpower shortage, not from an "Italian strike" as the public estimates. According to them, the Israel Airports Authority's employment model, based on periodic layoffs of veteran workers in winter to avoid granting permanent status, leads to high turnover and a shortage of experienced workers during summer peaks. Workers describe extreme workloads, teams handling 14 aircraft per shift instead of 4-6, and use of painkillers. In contrast, the Israel Airports Authority denies the claims and attributes the congestion to restrictions in European airspace and the presence of American refueling aircraft. The Authority emphasizes that the seasonal employment model is agreed upon and approved, and that workers are clearly informed in advance that their employment is for a fixed period.

Behind the congestion and lost luggage at Ben Gurion Airport: "There is no strike. There is plenty of work and no manpower"