Ben Gurion Airport is preparing for its busiest travel day of the Jewish holiday season, with some 100,000 passengers expected to pass through on Thursday, Sept. 18, across approximately 570 international flights, the Israel Airports Authority announced Sunday.
The authority added that charter flights to Uman, Ukraine, a pilgrimage destination for many Hasidic Jews during Rosh Hashanah, will begin Wednesday, Sept. 17, and continue through Sunday, Sept. 21.
The holiday travel surge is expected to bring more than 2.1 million passengers through Ben-Gurion during the Tishrei holiday period. An additional 200,000 travelers are anticipated at Israel’s other airports and land crossings, including to Jordan and Egypt. In total, about 2.3 million people are expected to use the Israel Airports Authority facilities throughout the season.
Among the busiest travel days:
Sunday, Sept. 21 (Erev Rosh Hashanah): approx. 88,000 passengers
Thursday, Sept. 25: approx. 92,000 passengers
Sunday, Sept. 28: approx. 92,000 passengers
Top international destinations include Greece, Cyprus, the United States, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.
“This reflects the ongoing growth in passenger traffic, which peaked in August with 2.2 million international travelers passing through Ben-Gurion,” the Airports Authority said.
To handle the influx, Terminal 3 has introduced two new facilities:
Area G, on the ground floor, with 26 new check-in counters
Assisted Travel Zone, on the third floor, where travelers requiring assistance can complete check-in and baggage drop in one location
Haifa Airport also added a second CT scanner to streamline security checks and check-in procedures.
Breakdown of passenger traffic during the holiday season:
Ben-Gurion Airport: approx. 2.1 million passengers
Land crossings to Sinai and Jordan: approx. 90,000 travelers, including 60,000 to Egypt
Ramon Airport (Eilat): approx. 54,000 passengers
Haifa Airport: approx. 23,000 passengers
To accommodate the holiday crowds, the Israel Airports Authority has boosted staffing at Ben-Gurion and border crossings.
“We’re working around the clock to ensure every traveler’s experience is safe, efficient, and pleasant,” said Moshe Ben Zakan, director general of the Transportation and Road Safety Ministry. “These efforts are reflected in the comprehensive operational preparations and reinforcements deployed across all airport facilities.”
Tips for Saving Time at Ben-Gurion Airport:
The Israel Airports Authority recommends travelers:
- Check the terminal and floor details for their flight in advance
- Complete online check-in from home via their airline’s website
- Print baggage tags at self-service kiosks at the airport
- Use the express lane at Sector W in Terminals 1 and 3 if traveling with carry-on luggage only and already checked in
- Reservists and members of the security forces are also urged to ensure that they do not inadvertently bring weapons or ammunition in their luggage.