Israel’s main international airport is moving closer to getting its first hotel, after years in which passengers had to seek lodging outside the airport grounds.
Brown Hotels, part of Israel Canada, said it received approval for a building permit request for a five-star hotel near Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main gateway near Tel Aviv.
Under the plan, the hotel will rise seven stories and include about 260 rooms, a swimming pool, spa complex, conference center and rooftop overlooking the airport’s runways. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2027, with the hotel slated to open about four years later.
The National Licensing Authority granted formal approval for the permit request. The project is being advanced by the Israel Airports Authority as part of Ben Gurion Airport’s broader development plan.
The hotel will be built next to Terminal 3 to provide convenient access for travelers. Designed by Mann-Shinar Architects, the building will be integrated above terminal operations structures and make use of existing airport land.
The hotel is expected to include commercial and service areas, restaurants, shared workspaces, a spa, swimming pool and rooftop area with panoramic views of takeoffs and landings. It will also offer passenger services, including check-in counters and preflight services inside the hotel.
The target audience is expected to include business travelers, tourists, connecting passengers and airline crews. The hotel is also aimed at residents of northern and southern Israel who want easier access to late-night flights and nearby terminal parking.
“We welcome the approval of the permit,” said Reuven Elkes, CEO and partner at Brown Hotels, part of Israel Canada. “This is a unique project on a global scale that will be designed by some of Israel’s leading architects. The new hotel will place Ben Gurion Airport at an entirely new standard of comfort, quality and luxury for passengers and visitors at Israel’s main gateway.”
Liran Ben Ami, a partner at Mann Shinar – Architects & Planners and head of the project team, said the firm has led planning for the complex project for three years with Brown Hotels, Israel Canada, Yehuda Levy Construction Group and the Israel Airports Authority.
He said the design is intended to create an experiential hotel at Israel’s main entry point, with natural light reaching deep into a central atrium and views of aircraft forming a central part of the guest experience.