Five pilots failed to arrive to work at Arkia on Sunday morning, causing schedule changes to passengers traveling to and from Eilat."Due to unexpected and illegal sanctions of turboprop pilots, flight disruptions are expected today on domestic routes (to and from Eilat)," an Arkia spokeswoman said. "Passengers are requested to remain updated on the website and through the ticketing center of the company."
Histadrut Transport Workers Union Chairman Avi Edry, meanwhile, told The Jerusalem Post that "there is no approval for sanctions" and that the union is looking into the problem and trying to return pilots to work.
Israeli media reports quoted Arkia workers committee chairwoman Aliza Balaish stating that neither a strike nor sanctions were occurring, and the pilots simply had not come to work due to illnesses circulating. In response, the Arkia spokeswoman said only that the company "wishes the pilots a speedy recovery."