Pinchas Idan denies role in Ben Gurion Airport shutdown

Pinchas Idan, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority workers’ union, has denied responsibility for a recent operational shutdown at Ben Gurion Airport. Appearing on Kan News, Idan rejected allegations that the union orchestrated a political shutdown, instead asserting that the airport manager was responsible for the closure. He maintained that the disruptions were caused by severe labor shortages and staff exhaustion rather than a planned work stoppage.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has filed an urgent petition with the Likud party’s Supreme Court to terminate Idan’s membership. The petition alleges that Idan led an “illegal shutdown” intended to harm the Prime Minister, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, and the Likud party. Simultaneously, the Israel Airports Authority is reportedly considering termination proceedings against Idan.

The disruption caused significant chaos, including flight delays and baggage handling failures. The Finance Ministry estimated the economic damage to be between NIS 25 million and NIS 30 million, accounting for lost passenger time, airline costs, and supply chain interruptions.