Ben Gurion Airport braces for 90,000 passengers as flight delays mount

Ben Gurion Airport is facing significant congestion today, with authorities warning that approximately 90,000 passengers are expected to pass through the terminal. The Israel Airports Authority reported that an unusual backlog of around 90 flights accumulated within just three hours, creating widespread delays across the airport’s departure hall.
The surge in delays has been attributed to a combination of factors, including heavy air traffic across Europe and airspace restrictions, particularly affecting routes through Greece. Additionally, the presence of American military tanker aircraft conducting refuelling operations has further strained airport capacity during the peak travel period.
Despite reports circulating on social media suggesting otherwise, the Airports Authority has insisted there is no shortage of staff at the facility. Officials stressed that the delays are purely a result of external air traffic management issues and capacity constraints rather than inadequate staffing levels.
Travellers using Ben Gurion today are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check with their airlines for the latest flight information as the airport works to clear the backlog throughout the day.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.