Terminal 1 to Reopen for Summer Travel Surge

Israel Airports Authority said on Wednesday that Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport will reopen for operations, as part of preparations for the expected increase in passenger traffic during the summer months. Domestic flights from Terminal 1 will resume on June 28, and international flights will resume on July 1.

The authority urged passengers to check in advance which terminal their flight departs from so they can arrive on time. The reopening comes amid broader pressure on airport operations as the summer travel season begins.

About three weeks ago, Airports Authority CEO Sharon Kadmi told Kan News on Reshet Bet that between two and three million Israelis are expected to receive notices this summer that their flights have been canceled because of American military activity at Ben Gurion Airport. Kadmi said 70% of operations at the airport are restricted because of the American military presence.

“We are using only one third of the airport’s operating capacity,” Kadmi said. “We are at the limit of what is possible. There will be flights that, in the coming days, we will already announce are being canceled, and companies will not be able to return at the pace they want. There will also be delays in departures from abroad.”