Behind the chaos at Ben Gurion Airport: "There is no strike, just a lack of manpower"
While passengers at Ben Gurion Airport face long waits for luggage, employees report extreme workloads and a structural staff shortage. They claim the current employment model forces out experienced workers before they gain tenure. The Israel Airports Authority rejects these claims, citing the seasonal nature of the work and established labor agreements.
It is not an "Italian strike": Amid significant departure delays and long waits for luggage at Ben Gurion Airport, former and current employees are speaking out about a lack of preparation for the summer season. They argue that the Israel Airports Authority's employment model is the root cause of high turnover and chronic understaffing.
"There is no strike, and there never was. A plane can sit for two hours without being serviced—that is just how it is. There is plenty of work and no manpower. Every winter, they part ways with veteran employees who are approaching tenure, and then there is a shortage in the summer," one employee explained.
While the Israel Airports Authority attributes the delays to a "chain reaction" involving Greek airspace congestion, the presence of American refueling aircraft, and overall flight volume, staff insist that the personnel shortage is the primary obstacle to managing the situation.
"No one wants to work here"
The airport's employment model, anchored in state law, consists of three tiers: permanent staff, temporary staff under collective agreements, and those on two-year contracts. Because flight volumes drop significantly in winter, the system is designed to avoid long-term commitments to all staff.
However, employees argue the cost is a permanent shortage during peak periods. "No one wants to break their back during the hardest months only to be fired in the winter," one porter said. He described a reality where teams are forced to service 14 planes per shift instead of the standard 4–6. "We are flooded with work. The severe shortage is causing porters to break their backs; people here are taking painkillers just to get through the day."
Management's response
Despite the harsh criticism, there is no official labor dispute. Management maintains that the hiring model is regulated by collective agreements signed with the Histadrut. Recently, acting Ben Gurion director Zohar Gefen sent a letter to staff expressing his deep appreciation for their loyalty and dedication, promising that management is doing everything possible to provide the necessary resources to handle the August peak.
The Israel Airports Authority officially stated that the claims linking delays to the employment model are "factually incorrect" and "absurd," emphasizing that staffing levels are adjusted throughout the year in accordance with regulated labor agreements.
