Israel Airports Authority says the disruption is not linked to Storm Byron; travelers asked to be patient as technicians work to restore service on Wednesday.
A technical malfunction in Ben-Gurion Airport’s Terminal 3 baggage-sorting system stopped suitcases from being sent to aircraft on Wednesday morning, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said. The fault caused luggage to pile up at check-in counters, delaying the check-in process and some departures, according to the authority.
Footage shared with Walla showed Israir check-in counters stacked with suitcases that could not be routed to aircraft holds, creating bottlenecks along the departures level. The IAA said teams were operating an alternative workflow while repairs were underway.
Baggage backlog at check-in
The malfunction led to a visible backlog of baggage at Terminal 3 counters as ground handlers slowed intake until suitcases could be cleared to the sorting area. Passengers reported longer processing times at the check-in hall, though flights continued operating with adjustments to loading procedures.
According to the IAA, contingency measures were activated to move luggage manually where possible and prioritize near-term departures. The authority did not provide a timeline for full restoration.
“The fault in the Terminal 3 baggage-sorting system is not connected to Storm ‘Byron,’” the IAA said, noting that technical teams were working to resolve the issue and that an alternative mode of operation had been implemented pending a fix. The authority asked travelers to remain patient and follow instructions posted in the terminal.
Passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport, June 06, 2022. (credit: GILI YAARI/FLASH90)
“We regret the temporary inconvenience. Such faults can occur occasionally, and we are doing everything possible to maintain operational continuity,” the IAA said.
Storm Byron causes Tel-Aviv bound flight to reroute
Earlier on Wednesday, a Tel Aviv-bound flight was rerouted due to Storm Byron but landed safely at Ben-Gurion, underscoring wider weather-related impacts in the region.
Terminal 3 is undergoing upgrades aimed at easing congestion and improving passenger flow, including an expanded duty-free area andborder-control improvements.
Operational strains have periodically affected luggage handling this year, with staffing-related slowdowns and labor actions noted in July 2025 and during a separate June 2025 strike.
“We regret the temporary inconvenience… we ask passengers to be patient and to follow terminal guidance,” the IAA said.