The airport authority issued a public warning Tuesday against using valet parking services at Ben Gurion International Airport, stressing that such services are unauthorized, illegal and potentially harmful.
“There is no official valet parking at Ben Gurion Airport,” the authority said in a statement. “Anyone offering this service is operating illegally, without supervision and may cause serious damage to travelers.”
Several companies have been advertising and offering valet parking at Israel’s main international gateway, but their future is now in question following the authority's announcement. The warning comes ahead of the busy holiday travel season and amid a surge in reported scams.
"In light of numerous fraud cases and increased travel ahead of the holidays, the Israel Airports Authority warns the public against individuals or companies offering valet parking services at Ben Gurion Airport," the statement continued. "These unauthorized operators, known locally as 'chappers' (slang for unlicensed freelancers), are acting illegally. The authority is stepping up legal action against them and urges travelers to park only in official airport lots."
According to the statement, Ben Gurion’s public complaints department has received a growing number of reports from passengers who used these services only to discover upon their return that their vehicles had been driven hundreds or even thousands of miles while they were abroad. Others found their cars damaged, or later received traffic tickets and fines for illegal parking or speeding. In many cases, customers were unable to obtain receipts for services rendered.
“The Airports Authority is not liable for any damage incurred as a result of using these services. Those who choose to do so assume full risk,” the statement said.
In response to the rising number of incidents, the authority plans to escalate enforcement measures, including filing legal complaints, banning company representatives from airport premises and working to completely shut down unauthorized operations.
The only safe and official option, it emphasized, is to use the airport’s designated short- and long-term parking lots. All long-term lots are connected to the terminals via free shuttle service.