Jerusalem, 21 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Tourism Ministry Director-General Michael Yitzhakov warned on Friday that disruptions at Ben Gurion International Airport caused damage beyond passenger inconvenience, threatening Israel’s tourism recovery. He called the strike irresponsible and disrespectful to Israelis and tourism workers.
Yitzhakov said delays and uncertainty at the country’s main gateway could damage Israel’s reputation among airlines, tour operators and prospective visitors. Reliable flight schedules are essential for restoring international tourism, he said, and continued disruptions risk undermining efforts to revive the industry.
Israeli media on Thursday reported that passengers at the departures hall watched as the check-in counters suddenly emptied, without receiving a clear explanation from officials. According to one passenger, the desk staff said they were no longer working and walked away.
Speaking to Kan11, Yitzhakov decried his ministry’s plight as, after months of laboring to resume regular flights that had been curtailed due to the war, suddenly, “108 flights are canceled, and no one knows what’s happening. It affects flight schedules across Europe and North America.”