Ben Gurion Airport is preparing for one of its busiest months of the year, with about 2.6 million passengers expected to pass through the country's main international gateway during August, the Israel Airports Authority said Monday.
According to the authority, 47 airlines, including Israel's domestic carriers, will operate flights to destinations across Europe, North America and the Middle East.
On weekdays throughout the month, excluding weekends, between 90,000 and 95,000 passengers are expected to arrive or depart each day. Passenger traffic is forecast to reach about 100,000 travelers on five peak days: Aug. 6, 13, 17, 20 and 27.
The most popular destinations this month are Greece, Cyprus, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Germany.
Ahead of the expected crowds, the Airports Authority advised passengers to arrive about three hours before departure, complete online check-in in advance and use self-service kiosks whenever possible.
Travelers flying with carry-on luggage only who have already checked in online can use Terminal W, a fast-track security area designed to speed processing.
The authority also encouraged passengers to use public transportation to reach the airport. It reminded IDF reservists to ensure they are not carrying magazines, ammunition or other military equipment in their bags to avoid delays during security screening.
Air Haifa launches Thessaloniki route
Local carrier Air Haifa announced it has opened ticket sales for a new route between Haifa and Thessaloniki, Greece, which will begin operating on Oct. 25 with the start of the winter schedule.
Thessaloniki, Greece
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Flights will operate twice a week, on Sundays and Thursdays, with one-way introductory fares starting at 89 euros ($102), subject to availability.
The flights will arrive at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport, located near the city center.
The new service expands Air Haifa's growing network, which currently includes Larnaca, Paphos, Athens, Rhodes, Mykonos, Crete, Karpathos and Eilat. Sofia will also be added during the winter season.
The airline also reported another record month, saying it carried about 58,000 passengers in July, roughly double the total for July 2025 after carrying about 45,000 passengers in June.
American Airlines delays Israel return again
American Airlines has again postponed the resumption of flights to Tel Aviv and now does not expect to return to Israel before the end of March 2027.
The U.S. carrier has not resumed service to Tel Aviv since suspending flights following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
Israir launches expanded Eilat air bridge
Israir said it carried about 2,000 passengers on Monday, the first day of a special air bridge to the southern resort city of Eilat established under a Transportation Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority program following the closure of Sde Dov Airport.
Under the initiative, Israir is operating at least 10 flights a day between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
The program is intended to maintain transportation links to Eilat, serving city residents, the health care system and businesses while allowing travelers to make same-day round trips between central Israel and the Red Sea resort.
Israir said it plans to continue operating the expanded schedule to strengthen air connectivity between central Israel and Eilat and support the city's economy.