Ben-Gurion Airport delays reach 90 minutes amid summer travel rush, Arkia CEO reveals

Ben-Gurion Airport is experiencing significant flight delays, averaging up to 90 minutes, with only about one-third of flights departing on schedule, according to Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz. Passenger traffic is nearing pre-war levels, with 90,000 to 100,000 daily travelers, a trend expected to continue through August and the Tishrei holiday season. Berlowitz stated, "The picture at Ben-Gurion Airport right now is one of passenger numbers approaching what we saw before the war."

• Operational strains include US aircraft occupying parking stands, reducing flexibility.
• Congestion in European and Middle Eastern airspace, along with air traffic control system failures, such as a recent radar malfunction in northern Italy, contribute to disruptions.
• A shortage of skilled personnel at ground-handling companies, struggling to keep pace with the rapid increase from 15 to hundreds of daily flights, is also a key factor.
• Even minor morning delays create a "domino effect," impacting subsequent flights due to tight schedules.

Despite these challenges, Berlowitz emphasized the positive aspect that "Ben-Gurion Airport is operating, flights are departing rather than being canceled."