Ahead of the holiday travel surge and following numerous scam incidents, the Israel Airports Authority warned on Tuesday against entities offering valet parking services at Ben Gurion Airport. The authority clarifies that no such service exists at the airport, and anyone offering it operates illegally, without supervision, and may cause significant damage to travelers.
The public complaints department at Ben Gurion recently received numerous reports from travelers who used these entities and discovered, upon returning from abroad, that their vehicles had traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometers while they were on vacation.
Others received damaged vehicles, and sometimes, long after their return, also received traffic violation notices, parking fines, and speeding tickets. Many travelers also reported they couldn't obtain receipts for the service they paid for.
The authority emphasizes that these services are offered only by "hustlers," without permits and against the law. The authority bears no responsibility for damages caused to travelers or vehicles, and anyone choosing such services assumes full risk.
Following the surge in incidents, the Israel Airports Authority decided to intensify measures against these companies, file lawsuits, remove their representatives from Ben Gurion premises, and work to prevent their operations within the airport grounds.
The authority notes that the official and safe alternative is using only the authority's short-term or long-term parking lots located throughout Ben Gurion Airport. Free and convenient shuttle service operates directly to the terminals from all long-term parking lots.
