About two weeks ago, we published an investigation here in Israel today about what is happening at Ben Gurion Airport - a shortage of workers, heavy loads, complaints from pilots and ground workers and delays in transporting luggage.
At the same time, we published about what is happening at El Al, and now the issues have come up for discussion in a committee chaired by MK Yael Ron Ben Moshe.
Ben Gurion Airport director Shmuel Zakai admitted to the committee that there is a shortage of about a thousand employees at Ben Gurion Airport and he estimates that the shortage of workers will exist until Passover 2023.
Zakai said, "We are in the long process of recruiting workers from all sectors and the expectation of completing the workforce is only on Passover next year.
However, we do everything we can to improve queue times. '
In addition, Zakai referred to the good news for the residents of the north and said: "We are working to open a security check and check-in in the Haifa area that will be carried out the day before takeoff and so residents of the north will be able to reach the border."
We are ready to launch this service tomorrow, expecting the cooperation of the airlines in the matter. "
The discussion also referred to the cancellations of flights at El Al, most of which are due to misunderstandings between the management and the company's pilots.
Miri Ildiz, head of customer service at the company, explained: "Customers are notified when a flight is canceled, we find solutions for 90% of customers.
Shlomi Am Shalom, the company's vice president, added: "There is an increase in flight cancellations all over the world due to changes in the world of aviation, we compensate according to law."
Another issue discussed by the committee is the customer service of the company which receives harsh reviews.
He also referred to this with Shalom, "It will get better, we stand at two-thirds of the workforce and it takes time, we recruit.
People with disabilities will be able to work hard with us in a dedicated email and we will get back to them to give them the quickest response. "
At the same time, the Greek company Agian canceled the route to Rhodes which was supposed to operate five weekly flights.
The reason is of course a shortage of manpower and it is estimated that this summer we will see quite a few more flights stand out.
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