Treasury Officials Estimate Ben Gurion Airport Strike Damages at $10 Million

Jerusalem, 20 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Finance Ministry estimates that the damage caused by the strike at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday is preliminarily estimated at NIS 25 million to NIS 30 million (between $8.3 and $10 million). The damage includes passengers’ lost time, direct and operational costs for airlines, lost revenues for the Israel Airports Authority and airport operators, disruptions to cargo, courier services and the supply chain, as well as damage to tourism and the hotel industry.

According to the ministry, the damage stems from several problems: Israel’s aviation infrastructure has very limited capacity, the country’s national aviation infrastructure depends on a single operator, and the workers’ committee prevents greater efficiency, flexibility and the development of additional airports.

According to the ministry, salaries at the Israel Airports Authority are higher than the national average, while employing IAA workers in most operations, rather than contractors, limits operational flexibility during peak periods. Also, payroll accounts for about 60% of the IAA’s expenses, and this high cost burden delays development programs and undermines efficiency and service.