Treasury estimates: Ben Gurion Airport strike cost the economy up to 30 million shekels

The Ministry of Finance estimates that the strike at Ben Gurion Airport cost the economy 25-30 million shekels. The damage includes loss of passenger time, costs to airlines, loss of revenue for the Israel Airports Authority, and disruption to the supply chain. The Treasury points to maximum infrastructure capacity, the IAA monopoly, and delays in developing complementary airports as causes of the crisis.

The Ministry of Finance published an estimate that the strike at Ben Gurion Airport, which took place today (Thursday), cost the Israeli economy between 25 and 30 million shekels. The damage is reflected in several layers: loss of valuable passenger time, direct and operational costs incurred by airlines, loss of revenue for the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) and operators at the port, as well as severe disruptions to the supply chain, courier services, and tourism. The Treasury analyzes the main causes of the crisis and points to structural problems: Ben Gurion Airport operates at maximum daily capacity, and the IAA is a monopoly with a strong workers' committee possessing full shutdown power. Furthermore, development plans for complementary airports (Ramat David and Tze'elim) are delayed due to budgetary constraints and high salary costs at the IAA, which amount to about 60% of the organization's expenses. The Treasury calls for immediate approval of the complementary airport plans, development of Ben Gurion's capacity, promotion of legislation to establish private airports, and implementation of an efficiency plan to turn the IAA into a managerial rather than operational body.