More porters, fewer passengers: What really caused Ben-Gurion Airport’s staff strike? - analysis

A wildcat strike at Ben-Gurion Airport has exposed a dispute between management and the workers' union over staffing. The union claims a critical shortage of 500 employees, but data shows the number of porters has grown since 2019 while passenger traffic declined, challenging the union's narrative. The conflict highlights tensions over tenured versus temporary staff, with management reportedly seeking to replace the union chairman.

A wildcat strike at Ben-Gurion Airport has brought the staffing dispute between management and the workers' union to a head. The union, led by Chairman Pinchas Idan, claims a critical deficit of roughly 500 employees across all departments, arguing that an unreasonable workload triggered the system's collapse. Idan specifically cited a shortage of porters for luggage handling, forcing staff into consecutive 12-hour shifts in unbearable heat. However, data obtained by Walla tells a different story: the number of porters has actually grown over the past six years, even as passenger traffic declined. In August 2019, a peak year, 2.807 million passengers were serviced by 386 porters. In August 2026, a projected 2.675 million passengers are serviced by 402 porters — a net addition of 16 porters alongside a decrease of roughly 130,000 passengers. A source familiar with the matter told Walla that the union never formally submitted a written request to management regarding a worker shortage. Another source suggested the core issue is not total headcount but an imbalance between tenured and temporary staff, with temporary workers being more flexible and motivated. The likelihood of Idan permitting a shift toward temporary hiring appears low, particularly amid reports that management intends to push for his removal as union chief. IAA Chairman Yiftah Ron-Tal declined to confirm any such effort, stating he is focused on managing the crisis and has established an inquiry team.