Airport Authority To IDF Soldiers: “Don’t Leave Ammuntion In Your luggage”

The Israel Airport Authority (IAA) is warning Israeli soldiers, many of whom have recently been released from reserve duty, traveling through Ben Gurion International Airport not to forget their ammunition and weapons in their bags or luggage.

The IAA said in a statement that with the rise of International flights, passengers have been forgetting their military equipment in their luggage. “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, especially in their backpacks. Some even forget personal firearms in their luggage when they arrive at Ben Gurion Airport.”

The IAA cited 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. About four to five backpacks and suitcases are discovered containing forgotten weapons or ammunition daily.”

Beyond discomfort, this causes delays and may even cause the passenger to miss the flight. Airport security says that in some cases, the passengers deposit the seized weapons with the police, and are forced to call a family member to come pick up the weapons or ammunition.

The 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.

The Authority called on the public to pay attention and check carefully before arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport to ensure that no cartridges, ammunition, or guns were in the bags.