Ben Gurion Baggage Backlog Delays Flights and Strands Passengers on Planes

Friday morning congestion at Ben Gurion Airport delayed flights because luggage was not loaded after passengers boarded, while arriving travelers also faced lengthy baggage waits. One passenger said she waited two and a half hours on the floor with small children. Amir said Israir Flight 249 to Salzburg, scheduled for 6:30 a.m., was still awaiting luggage more than two hours later; another passenger reported sitting aboard a parked Arkia plane without luggage for two hours. The Israel Airports Authority denied a strike, attributing the delays to a backlog of 90 flights over three hours and saying congestion was being addressed.