Chaos ensues at Ben-Gurion Airport after staff strike grinds Israeli air travel to a halt

The staff at Ben-Gurion Airport on Thursday halted all check-in counters, declaring a "crisis" due to operational difficulties, challenges loading and unloading aircraft, and a shortage of parking stands.

The Israel Airports Authority stated it is currently dealing with work disruptions directed by the workers' union that are affecting operations and service to the traveling public.

Approximately 100,000 people are expected to pass through Ben-Gurion Airport today, as more than 20 American refuelers occupy parking stands adjacent to Terminals 3 and 1. This is lengthening the transport times of luggage to and from aircraft, as well as the shuttling of passengers to and from planes not connected to jet bridges.

The Public Transport Authority confirmed its management has issued a demand to employees to "immediately cease any action that harms regular work and to restore operations to full routine. The Authority views with utmost severity any deliberate action liable to harm the traveling public and the proper functioning of Ben-Gurion Airport, especially during summer peak loads and high operational volumes."

Employees have reportedly resorted to a "work-to-rule," or "slowdown" labor protest strategy, wherein employees technically comply with their duties, following official rules and regulations while grinding actual work to a halt.

This tactic is often used by sectors that are legally restricted from striking, such as customs agents, air traffic controllers, baggage handlers, and the like.

This is a developing story. Jonah Davidov contributed to this report.