Israel's Ben Gurion Airport Prepares for Over 3 Million Travelers During Holiday Season

Israel's Airports Authority is bracing for a significant surge in passenger traffic, expecting over 3 million travelers to pass through its facilities in September and during the High Holidays. Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) alone anticipates approximately 2.5 million passengers, matching the volume seen in August.

The busiest days are projected to be September 10, 17, 22, and 25, with each day expected to see around 100,000 passengers and 600 flights. A particularly high volume of over 100,000 international travelers is anticipated on September 10, the eve of Rosh Hashanah. Special flights to Uman, Ukraine, will also contribute to the congestion, running from September 6 to September 17.

Popular destinations during this period include Greece, Cyprus, the United States, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. The increased traffic will not be limited to Ben Gurion Airport. Ramon Airport is expected to handle about 81,000 passengers, Haifa Airport around 60,000, and land border crossings to Sinai and Jordan will see approximately 500,000 travelers.

Specific border crossings anticipate significant numbers: Rabin crossing (190,000), Allenby crossing (153,000), Begin crossing (100,000), and Jordan River crossing (55,000). To manage the influx, the Airports Authority has increased its staffing and will have enhanced management presence in terminals. Passengers are advised to check their departure terminal, complete online check-in, and print baggage tags at self-service stations. Those with only carry-on luggage and who have checked in online can use the fast track at Terminals 1 and 3. Reservists and security personnel are reminded to thoroughly check their bags for any ammunition before heading to the airport.