Ben Gurion Airport Parking Full Amid Holiday Travel Surge

All parking lots at Ben Gurion Airport are completely full due to a significant increase in passenger traffic during the Jewish autumn holidays. The Israel Airports Authority has urged travelers and those dropping them off to avoid using personal vehicles and instead opt for public transportation.

"Due to the increase in passengers during the holidays, Ben Gurion Airport's parking facilities are currently at full capacity," stated the Israel Airports Authority. "There are no available parking spaces until further notice." This restriction applies to all airport parking, including long-term lots used by passengers leaving their cars for the duration of their trips.

The airport authority indicated it would issue a separate announcement when the situation changes. The congestion is occurring during one of the busiest periods of the year for Ben Gurion. The authority estimates that approximately 2.5 million passengers will pass through the airport in September alone.

For those flying out, the recommendation is straightforward: leave the car at home and choose public transport, such as trains or buses, well in advance. The situation could be particularly challenging for passengers arriving at the airport on Shabbat, when regular bus and train services are not operational. In such cases, taxis and other paid transfer services will be the only alternatives to personal vehicles.

Amidst the peak vacation season in Israel and the holiday rush, police are also advising passengers to plan their journeys to the airport in advance and anticipate potential traffic jams. Earlier, the Airports Authority had warned of several peak days during the autumn holidays, expecting passenger traffic to reach around 100,000 people per day.