Ben-Gurion International Airport’s automatic screening system crashed on Thursday, 4 Adar, leading to long delays for passengers. Baggage distribution was significantly delayed but airport officials insist the passengers in the airport on Thursday will be flying on time, promising to avoid delaying flights as backup crews were summoned to assist. Over 50,000 travelers are expected in the airport on Thursday.

However, in many cases, passengers boarded their flights and departed but their luggage remained behind as the screening system was not operating. This is the system that scans all luggage that passes through the airport. Hence, until such time the system begins operating again, there will be significant delays in processing baggage.

Passengers who were scheduled to travel on Thursday received notification to arrive three hours before the flight as the system failure was detected during the nighttime hours.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)