Danger of Disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport: Alarming Staff Shortage Before Holidays
An internal report from the Israel Airports Authority workers' committee reveals a critical staffing shortage. Employees are forced to work up to 260 hours a month, threatening airport operations ahead of the holiday season.
The Israel Airports Authority workers' committee has published a situation report revealing an acute shortage of 400 to 500 employees. The report claims that the distress stems from management issues and recruitment difficulties. Workers' representatives warned:
"The fact that we reached the busy summer months with such a severe shortage is a result of ongoing negligence, especially just before the expected load during the holiday period."
Beyond the vacancies, over 100 employees are serving in the reserves, and dozens are absent due to injuries and illnesses. Consequently, staff are forced to work 220 to 260 hours a month in heavy heat. The committee emphasized that compared to 2019, the airport has expanded its equipment and departments, but the manpower has remained stagnant, making it impossible to meet operational goals.
The damage is evident in critical divisions:
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Security: 200 to 300 screeners are missing.
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Sorting: 100 employees are missing.
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Logistics: 80 employees are missing.
Workers' representatives clarified: "We are warning again. These are the data! The issue requires immediate and urgent in-depth treatment. Otherwise, it will not be possible to provide passengers with the service they deserve."
The worrying data is published against the backdrop of threats to turn to the labor court and the danger of severe disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport. It remains to be seen whether the Authority's management will act urgently to resolve the crisis before the start of the holiday season.
