Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz presented the government with a proposal to build a second international airport in the Negev, Ynet learned Monday.
The airport, which is slated to be Israel 'ssecond biggest airfield, will be built in Nevatim and will handle overflow air traffic from Ben Gurion International Airport.
Military airfield in Nevatim (Photo: Ehud Avidan)
In 2010, the government reviewed a similar proposal for an airport in Megido. The proposal was voted down over the residents' objections.
The cabinet asked Katz and Defense Minister Ehud Barak to submit their operational recommendations for the Nevatim airport in the next three months.
Katz noted that a Transportation Ministry steering committee has been tasked with formulating the plan, adding that building an international airport in the Negev will propel the area's development, create employment opportunities and bring about an economical and social boom.
The Defense Ministry had previously opposed building an international airport close to the area's military base.
Nevertheless, the heads of the local authorities in the south urges the government to execute the plan, saying it was time for the Negev to realize its potential as a tourist attraction.