Passengers take bags from tarmac as Ben-Gurion suffers luggage-related delays

A video posted to N12 shows passengers reclaiming luggage on their own, reportedly unwilling to wait for workers to do it any longer.

 Workers handle packages of Israeli humanitarian aid destined for Ukraine, at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel March 1, 2022 (photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
Workers handle packages of Israeli humanitarian aid destined for Ukraine, at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv, Israel March 1, 2022
(photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

Delays were reported on departing flights and among passengers entering Israel at Ben-Gurion Airport due to issues with baggage loading and unloading at the airport on Friday, according to Israeli media.

The Israel Airport Authority said these issues stemmed from a lack of manpower while N12 reported the airport's worker's committee claimed this was not the result of a worker's strike.

A video posted to N12 shows passengers reclaiming luggage from the plane on their own, reportedly unwilling to wait for workers to do it any longer.

The issue to be resolved soon

The Israel Airports Authority told Israeli media that the issue is expected to be resolved soon.

There is a "temporary delay in unloading and loading luggage. The matter is being handled and is expected to be resolved in the near future," said the airport authority in a statement. 

 EL AL PLANES at Ben-Gurion Airport. The major airline alliances have rejected the Israeli flag carrier’s admission several times. (credit: MOSHE SHAI/FLASH90)
EL AL PLANES at Ben-Gurion Airport. The major airline alliances have rejected the Israeli flag carrier’s admission several times. (credit: MOSHE SHAI/FLASH90)

As of noon, multiple scheduled flights, including those from El Al, had yet to take off.

This is a developing story.