Passengers must arrive at airport three hours before flight
צילום: אוהד אבידן קינר
Sept. 28 set to be Ben-Gurion Airport's busiest day
Some 870,000 travelers expected to pass through Israel's international airport throughout High Holidays, a 10% rise compared to same period last year
Some 870,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ben-Gurion Airport during the High Holidays, a rise of 10% compared to the same period last year, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) reported recently.
This figure includes travelers leaving and entering the country, both Israelis and tourists.
The busiest day at Israel's international airport is expected to be September 28, two days before the Jewish New Year. Other busy days will be October 2, October 5 (when many will leave Israel ahead of Yom Kippur), October 12 (just before Sukkot) and October 16.
The IAA reiterated that passengers must arrive at the airport three hours before their flight is scheduled to take off in order to prevent delays in the security checks, and to make sure to only pack items permitted on the plane in their hand luggage.
IAA Chairman Ovadia Ei said the Airports Authority will reinforce the units working at Ben-Gurion in order to allow the free movement of people flying abroad or those arriving to celebrate the holidays in Israel.
Due to the fact that Rosh Hashana Eve will take place on a Monday this year, many Israelis will be going on relatively long vacations, spending between five to seven days abroad during the holiday.
Some of the passengers will leave the country on the preceding Thursday or Friday, and many of those who will travel on Sunday or Monday will only return to Israel at the beginning of the following week.
Travel agents say that the fact that Yom Kippur will take place on a Thursday will also lead many people to extend their vacations into the weekend.
