Flight operations halted at Ben Gurion Airport at 8 a.m.

In Israel, a general strike was called to protest the government's inability to secure the return of hostages from Gaza, following the tragic discovery of six hostages dead. This sparked widespread public anger, with thousands demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom many hold responsible for the situation. The strike, initiated by the Histadrut trade union, aimed to affect key sectors including banking, healthcare, and transportation, particularly at Ben-Gurion Airport, where some outbound flights were temporarily halted. Incoming flights operated normally during this period. From a transportation perspective, such strikes can significantly impact operations and logistics, highlighting the fragile interplay between socio-political events and economic stability. Disruptions at major airports can have cascading effects on international travel and commerce, underlining the need for contingency plans in transport management to mitigate losses during civil unrest. Additionally, the situation emphasizes the importance of effective communication and coordination among transportation authorities to manage unexpected surges in passenger volume during crises.