Pinchas Idan Denies Role in Ben-Gurion Airport Shutdown as Netanyahu Petitions

Israel Airports Authority workers’ union chairman Pinchas Idan has publicly rejected allegations that he orchestrated a shutdown at Ben-Gurion Airport, following an urgent legal move by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu filed a petition with the Likud’s Supreme Court demanding that Idan’s membership in the Likud party be terminated.

Pinchas Idan Responds to Shutdown Claims Following Netanyahu Petition

The political friction and travel chaos erupted after hours of severe disruptions at the transportation hub. The petition filed against Idan alleged that the union leader spearheaded a wild and unlawful strike aimed at intentionally harming Transportation Minister Miri Regev, the prime minister, and the Likud party itself.

Appearing on Kan News’ program “At Seven with Ayala Hasson,” Idan denied orchestrating the closure and maintained that management bears the blame. The airport manager is the one who closed Ben-Gurion Airport, Idan stated, adding that the events are fully documented and filmed. When asked whether the situation might persist into the following week, he declined to offer guarantees, stating, I don’t promise anything.

Manpower Shortages and Baggage Handler Working Hours

According to Idan, the operational breakdown stemmed from acute workplace fatigue rather than a premeditated political strike. The incident began after intense pressure mounted on baggage handlers, some of whom started their shifts at 3:00 a.m. and faced working until 3:00 p.m. They asked to go home because they felt like they were falling off their feet, Idan explained, noting that the average age of the workers is between 40 and 50.

Idan announced plans to take legal action regarding shift lengths, stating he intends to petition the court for an injunction preventing baggage handlers from being forced into 12-hour shifts. He also dismissed reports suggesting the disruptions targeted Transportation Minister Miri Regev’s travel, noting that he personally assisted in loading the minister’s plane.

Pinchas Idan — Photo: Israelnationalnews

Underlying the immediate crisis is a persistent labor shortage across the facility. Data from the workers’ union indicates that Ben-Gurion Airport faces a deficit of approximately 400 to 500 employees across all divisions:

Security Division: Missing 200 to 300 inspectors and security personnel.
Baggage Sorting: Short about 100 workers.
Ground Handling: Short about 80 workers.
Additional Absences: Dozens of employees missing due to reserve duty, illness, workplace accidents, and injuries.

The union noted that this shortage has persisted for months, forcing existing staff to log between 220 and 260 hours per month.

Economic Fallout and Political Repercussions

The airport disruptions triggered widespread chaos for hundreds of thousands of travelers who had paid for annual family vacations and found themselves stuck in crowded terminals. An initial financial assessment by the Finance Ministry estimated that the damage to the economy reached between NIS 25 million and NIS 30 million.

Pinchas Idan Denies Role in Ben-Gurion Airport Shutdown as Netanyahu Petitions — Photo: The Jerusalem Post

This estimate accounts for passenger lost time, expenses incurred by airlines, lost revenues for airport operators and the Israel Airports Authority, and broader disruptions to air cargo and supply chains. Commenting on the political fallout and his threatened expulsion from the party, Idan remained unfazed, stating, I never received anything from the Likud in my life.