Ben Gurion Airport announced measures to ease congestion, but fear of holiday chaos remains | Here's why
The Israel Airports Authority announced measures to ease congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, including a return to full operations, hiring new employees, and management participation in shifts. However, there are concerns that these steps will not be completed by Rosh Hashanah, which will occur in about three weeks, and the expected holiday congestion could lead to further chaos.
The Israel Airports Authority announced this morning (Sunday) measures to ease congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, in cooperation with the workers' committee, following the chaos that prevailed last week. The measures include a full return to operational activity of baggage, security, and ground services; the joining of headquarters and management staff to field shifts, with an emphasis on the baggage handling system and queue management; and the continued recruitment of new employees as part of preparations for the High Holidays. However, there is doubt whether these measures will be completed and bring about a significant change by Rosh Hashanah, which will occur in less than three weeks. In the background, the workers' committee claims a shortage of 400-500 employees across all divisions, partly due to reserve duty and illness, and warns that without immediate treatment, proper service cannot be provided during the holidays. Conversely, the authority's management rejects the data and accuses the committee of creating a deliberate crisis. The gap between the announcement of measures and the feasibility of their implementation in time remains open.