TEL AVIV— Etihad Airways (EY) cancelled and delayed several flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi after an unexpected workers’ strike disrupted operations at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on August 20.
The disruption affected check-in and ground-handling services, forcing the airline to cancel one service while operating another with a limited number of passengers.
Etihad Airways connects Tel Aviv with Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and the latest disruption affected flights in both directions.
The airline said EY608 from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi was cancelled, while EY594 operated with a restricted number of guests as airport operations faced significant constraints.
Etihad Flight Disruptions Continue Amid Strike
Etihad also reported delays affecting EY597 from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv and EY598 from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi. The carrier attributed the disruption to “unplanned industrial action” affecting several airlines operating at Ben Gurion Airport.
The airline advised affected passengers to keep their contact details updated through its Manage My Booking platform. This allows Etihad to send operational updates directly to travellers as flight schedules change.
The disruption did not immediately affect every Etihad service at Ben Gurion. Instead, the airline’s operations showed a combination of cancellations, delays and limited-capacity flights as airport services gradually recovered.
Ben Gurion Airport Strike Disruption
The disruption began when workers at Ben Gurion Airport halted check-in operations during one of the airport’s busiest travel periods. Employees from four ground-service companies reportedly stopped passenger-handling activities, while all check-in counters were closed.
Airport operations were suspended at around 2 p.m. local time after the labour action affected passenger services. Flights heading to Tel Aviv were also forced to turn back in some cases as the airport reduced operations.
Workers cited operational difficulties, problems with aircraft loading and unloading, and a shortage of parking stands. The disruption came as Ben Gurion was handling about 100,000 passengers and 600 flights per day, increasing the impact of even a short stoppage.
Airport operations gradually resumed from around 3 p.m., with check-in counters and baggage systems returning to service. However, the earlier stoppage created delays and baggage-handling problems that continued to affect some flights.
Financial Impact Of Strike Disruption
The labour disruption is also expected to have a significant economic impact. Israel’s Finance Ministry estimated the damage at between 25 million and 30 million shekels, equivalent to approximately $8.3 million to $10 million.
The preliminary assessment included passenger time losses, airline operating costs, reduced airport-related revenue, cargo and logistics disruption, and effects on tourism and hospitality.
The ministry also linked the impact to limited aviation infrastructure capacity and operational constraints at Israel’s main international gateway.
For Etihad passengers travelling between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi, the immediate priority is to verify individual flight status before travelling to the airport, Gulf News reported.
Travellers affected by cancellations or delays should monitor Etihad’s notifications and keep their booking information updated to receive further operational instructions.
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