Israel Plans Two New Airports to Ease Ben Gurion Overload

Nissim Peretz, CEO of Netivei Israel (Israel National Roads Company), announced plans for two new airports to be constructed in the south and north of the country, aiming to alleviate expected congestion at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Speaking at a Globes real estate conference, Peretz stated that the decision to build the airports in Tzklag (south) and Ramat David (north) comes at a critical juncture, with projections indicating Israel could handle approximately 70 million passengers annually by 2040.

The southern airport in Tzklag is slated to handle around 10 million passengers, with construction tenders expected to be released in 2028. The northern airport at Ramat David, designed for an additional 20 million passengers, faces greater complexity as it requires relocation of Air Force units and will serve dual military and civilian purposes. Its construction is anticipated to follow the southern airport by one to two years.

Peretz linked the need for new infrastructure to recent disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport, which he described as a "huge shame" for families. He attributed such issues to monopolies controlling essential infrastructure, advocating for increased private sector involvement in national projects. Citing the example of Jerusalem's Highway 16, built under a concession model, he argued that public-private partnerships (PPP) ensure efficiency and prevent monopolistic control.

Discussing potential organizational changes, Peretz commented on the proposed merger of Netivei Israel with Derech Eretz (operator of Highway 6), suggesting it could lead to significant national savings. He also criticized the prolonged absence of a permanent CEO at Israel Railways, highlighting the need for effective management and a renewed focus on public service rather than construction tasks.

Peretz also addressed infrastructure disparities between the north and south. While acknowledging progress in southern infrastructure development, he noted a significant lag in the north, particularly in funding for post-war reconstruction. He stated that despite government budget approvals, no funds have yet been transferred for northern infrastructure projects, though safety measures have been implemented using existing budgets.