A staff strike at Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport disrupted air travel on Thursday, with workers halting check-in services and flights temporarily grounded amid operational difficulties and staff shortages.

Axar.az reports, citing Jerusalem Post, that the strike began as around 100,000 travelers were expected to pass through the airport.

The Israel Airports Authority said work disruptions were affecting airport operations and services.

According to N12, most departing flights were expected to operate without luggage. More than 20 US refueling aircraft parked at the airport were also occupying parking stands, further complicating baggage handling and passenger transfers.

Strike leader Pinchas Idan accused airport management of mistreating employees, saying, “They give us such hard labor; management has no shame — they are torturing the employees of Ben-Gurion.”