The Ministry of Health demands the closure of the food complex at Ben Gurion Airport, which operates on a limited basis, in order to prevent a gathering • The Airports Authority: "This will lead to the opposite result"

The Ministry of Health wants to close the food complex at Ben Gurion Airport, in order to prevent a crowd. The Airports Authority opposes: "This will lead to the opposite result."

Reporter: Shimon Yaish // Photographer: Shmuel Buharis

On Sunday, the skies opened and Israelis returning from 20 countries defined as "green" will not have to enter isolation. From the list of green countries, three countries also accept Israelis with Israeli passports: Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece, to whom there has been a very high demand for vacations in recent days, according to travel agencies.

Now, three days after the sky opens, the Ministry of Health is asking to close the food complexes at Ben Gurion Airport, in order to prevent overcrowding and crowding in certain areas of the terminal, even before takeoff. Remember, the large duty free shop is still closed, and there are a few cafes and food stores open at Ben Gurion Airport , Among them: Ilans, McDonald's at certain hours, a small duty free shop and a candy store.

The Knesset's Economics Committee, which convened today (Wednesday), discussed, among other things, the guidelines for operating flights to and from Israel, including disinfecting planes between each flight, reducing service on planes, the obligation to wear masks and more. During the discussion, quite a few disagreements arose regarding the opening of the food area at Ben Gurion Airport. 

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Yoram Shapira, VP of Commerce and Business Development at the Airports Authority, commented on the possibility of closing the food complex at Ben Gurion Airport: "Since it will not be possible to eat on planes, all activities must be done before the flight. If we cancel the 3,000 meters of the food complex, the opposite goal will be achieved. "If the Economics Committee allows us to open the complex, we will act according to all restrictions, and we will create a distance between tables."

At the hearing, there were supporters and opponents of the move, but its conclusion did not bring a decisive message on the issue, and next week the matter will be discussed again. The closure of the food stores at Ben Gurion Airport has many implications, including additional employees who will go to the IDF or be fired, and the reduction of options for passengers to purchase food before the flight, since most flights no longer serve meals, some airlines distribute sandwiches and bottles of personal water.