A new check-in and screening complex is set to open next month at Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport. According to the Israel Airports Authority, the facility is being launched as part of the Transportation Ministry’s efforts to prepare for a rise in air traffic following the lifting of international flight restrictions to Israel.
Despite cautious optimism, many airlines have not yet resumed operations in Israel, and August is expected to see significantly lower traffic compared to August 2023, prior to the war. With the European Union lifting its advisory against flights to Israel and several international airlines resuming service, the ministry and the Airports Authority are preparing for an expected 1.5 million passengers in July and 1.9 million in August.
On August 14, Terminal 3 will unveil a 42,000-square-foot advanced departure hall featuring 22 check-in counters, state-of-the-art security screening systems, and streamlined baggage processing. The new space, constructed with prefabricated aluminum components similar to those used in modern European terminals, was built at a cost of approximately $13.5 million and allows for full operational flexibility.
For comparison, Ben Gurion Airport handled over 2.9 million passengers in August 2023. Asked whether it was wise to invest tens of millions in expansion under current conditions, the Israel Airports Authority responded: “There is a clear operational justification for the expansion, which has already been postponed twice due to the war. With airlines returning at a steady pace and passenger traffic expected to reach 1.9 million this August—and more airlines planning to resume flights soon—these are very promising numbers, even though some low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet have not yet returned.”
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The new check-in facility is just one of several short-term steps being taken. In the longer term, the airport is planning to expand Terminal 3’s E concourse to accommodate future growth.
Separately, Terminal 1 is scheduled to reopen on August 3, initially serving El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Georgian Airways, with budget carrier Wizz Air joining later. Approximately 500 international flights are expected to operate through Terminal 1 during the month.
Airports Authority CEO Sharon Kedmi said Monday, “The reopening of Terminal 1 and the launch of the new check-in area are key steps that allow us to prepare for the aviation sector’s rapid recovery. We’re working to improve the passenger experience while maintaining international standards for safety and service.”
Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken added: “We’re working hard to bring airlines back to Israel, while also advancing projects that will enable Ben Gurion Airport to accommodate more passengers with high levels of service. This infrastructure will support Israel’s aviation needs for years to come.”
Airlines that have resumed flights to Israel:
- flydubai
- Etihad Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Blue Bird Airways
- Hainan Airlines
- TUS Airways
- Azerbaijan Airlines
- Smartwings
- Red Wings
- Fly One
- Air France
Airlines scheduled to return:
- Aegean Airlines – July 14
- Air Europa – July 14
- LOT Polish Airlines – July 14
- United Airlines – July 21
- Air Seychelles – August 1
- Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) – Gradual return starting August 1
- KLM – September 1
Airlines that have canceled flights to Israel:
- Air India – Through August 31
- ITA Airways – Through July 31
- Delta Air Lines – Through August 31
- British Airways – Through October 25
- Air Canada – No planned resumption
- easyJet – Through October 25
- Ryanair – Through October 25
- Bulgaria Air – Through July 20
- airBaltic – Through September 30
- Transavia – Through September 7
- Iberia and Iberia Express – Through October 25