The Israel Airport Authority (IAA) on Sunday called on Israelis traveling through the Ben-Gurion International Airport to check their backpacks and luggage carefully to ensure they do not contain ammunition, or any other items that could be considered weapons.
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"There has been a steady increase in the number of airlines resuming operation in Israel and of Israelis traveling abroad," the IAA’s statement read. "However, it’s becoming clear that many passengers, some of whom have completed reserve duty in the war, forget military equipment such as ammunition and grenades in their luggage, and especially in their backpacks. Some even forget personal firearms in their luggage when they arrive at Ben Gurion Airport.
“According to data from Ben Gurion Airport’s security department, dozens of passengers who intended to board flights were detained in recent weeks because they had a firearm or ammunition in their luggage. In fact, according to Ben Gurion Airport data, about four to five backpacks and suitcases are discovered containing forgotten weapons or ammunition daily.”
Ben Gurion Airport noted that although it may be a matter of absent-mindedness or lack of attention, any attempt to bring a firearm or ammunition onto a plane triggers a meticulous process according to the international regulation banning the carrying of weapons. "Beyond the causing inconvenient, the incidents lead to delays and may even cause the passenger to miss their flight," the statement read.
Ben Gurion Airport also noted that in some cases, passengers deposit the confiscated weapons with the police, and in other cases, are forced to call a family member to come and retrieve the firearm or ammunition.