Israel Airport Authority Warns Travelers Against Illicit Valet Parking Services

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has issued an urgent warning to travelers departing from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) advising them to avoid using private valet parking services offered at the terminal entrance. The IAA clarified that no such services are operated by them within the airport grounds and cautioned the public against entrusting their vehicles to private operators who collect cars for safekeeping while passengers are abroad.

Recent complaints have surfaced from passengers who utilized these unofficial valet services, reporting significant vehicle damage, unauthorized use of their cars during their absence, and unexpected fines and tickets issued in their names upon their return. Some individuals also experienced difficulties contacting or receiving a response from the private operators after their trip.

The IAA emphasized that companies advertising parking and valet services using terms like "TLV parking," "airport parking," or "terminal-adjacent parking" are not affiliated with the authority. The IAA's official website explicitly states that personalized parking services involving vehicle pick-up and drop-off are not provided at Ben Gurion Airport.

Travelers arriving by private car are strongly recommended to use only the official airport parking lots, with free shuttle services available to and from the terminals. Alternatively, the IAA suggests using public transportation, such as trains, to reach the airport.

The authority stated that it is actively combating unauthorized operations on airport grounds through legal measures and by removing unauthorized entities. This warning follows a previous alert issued by the IAA due to similar passenger complaints regarding damages incurred through private valet parking services.