Crisis at Ben-Gurion – when will the flight schedule normalize

Ben-Gurion Airport is experiencing a crisis due to record traffic following the events of October 7. The summer season is marred by chronic flight delays, queues, and staff shortages. External factors include congestion in European airspace, a radar breakdown in Athens, and disruptions in Brussels. Internal factors include 24 American refueling aircraft parked and a labor shortage. In August, about 2.6 million passengers are expected. Improvements are expected from September 1.

Ben-Gurion Airport is experiencing a crisis caused by record traffic following the events of October 7, 2023. The summer season is marred by chronic flight delays, multi-hour queues, and immense pressure on staff. Even a minor disruption in the morning schedule triggers a chain reaction affecting the entire day. The problems stem from both external and internal factors. In Europe, airspace is congested, especially over Greece. A recent radar breakdown in Athens and disruptions in Brussels have paralyzed traffic. According to Eurocontrol, Greek skies rank among the top ten busiest regions, with daily traffic exceeding 2,840 takeoffs and landings. Domestically, the situation is exacerbated by 24 American refueling aircraft that have priority for takeoff and landing, as well as an acute labor shortage. The airport cannot hire foreign specialists due to security concerns. In August, about 2.6 million people are expected to pass through the airport, with daily passenger flow reaching 100,000. Flights are operated by 47 airlines. Improvements are expected from September 1, when the vacation season ends and Delta Air Lines and United Airlines return. Passengers are advised to arrive three hours before departure.