Ben Gurion Airport Expects Over 100,000 Travelers for Rosh Hashanah

Ben Gurion Airport is bracing for record crowds today, expecting over 100,000 departing and arriving passengers on the eve of Rosh Hashanah. The upcoming month of the Tishrei holidays is projected to be exceptionally busy, with an estimated 2.5 million travelers passing through the airport.

This marks the first Rosh Hashanah since the outbreak of the war to feature near-full routine operations at Ben Gurion Airport, accompanied by the return of numerous foreign airlines following months of suspended services.

Mindful of the massive disruptions caused by a major strike roughly three weeks ago, the Israel Airports Authority has deployed extensive personnel to prevent any sudden bottlenecks. Officials report that operations are currently running smoothly.

However, airlines warned two days ago of ongoing personnel shortages among ground handling crews responsible for baggage, which previously sparked flight delays. Airport workers noted that management reinforcements deployed after the August incident have since concluded, making the shortage palpable once again.

While the exact trigger for the August strike remains under review, interim findings from an internal committee indicate the disruption began when sorting staff left their shifts early and declined agreed-upon overtime.

Meanwhile, security forces have detained dozens of military deserters attempting to fly to Uman for the holidays. On Wednesday, two draft evaders were apprehended moments before departure aboard a Wizz Air flight bound for Poland.