An initial investigation into the massive disruption at Ben Gurion Airport on August 20 has found that baggage-sorting employees left their posts earlier than planned, triggering a chain of events that ultimately led airport management to halt baggage handling and close check-in counters.

The investigative committee presented its preliminary findings Sunday to the Israel Airports Authority Council, detailing how the unusual breakdown unfolded.

According to the findings, baggage-sorting workers left at the end of their regular shifts rather than remaining for previously agreed-upon overtime hours. Their departure caused a growing backlog in the airport’s baggage system, raising concerns that continuing to accept additional luggage would make the situation significantly worse.

Ben Gurion Airport Director Zohar Gefen subsequently ordered baggage transportation halted and check-in counters closed. The preliminary review determined that Gefen’s decision was “correct and appropriate” given the circumstances.

The findings immediately sparked a dispute with Israel Airports Authority Workers’ Committee chairman Pinchas Idan, who reportedly erupted during the meeting after details of the investigation were published by Channel 12.

Idan acknowledged following the incident that he had instructed employees to finish their shifts after nine hours rather than work an additional three hours. However, he argued that the departure of between 12 and 20 baggage handlers was not sufficient justification for effectively shutting down the airport.

Airport management disputed that argument, saying workers had known in advance that they were scheduled for 12-hour shifts, including overtime.

Officials said the absence of roughly 20 baggage handlers made it impossible to continue check-in operations without creating additional chaos, including luggage becoming mixed up and insufficient staffing to load bags onto aircraft.

The committee stressed that its findings remain preliminary and that no personal conclusions have yet been reached. A final report will be issued after the investigation is completed.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)