Israel to Centralize Air Traffic Control at Ben Gurion Airport, Boosting Flight Capacity by 70%

Israel Airports Authority is launching a strategic infrastructure project to establish a centralized main air traffic control unit at Ben Gurion Airport. This move will consolidate the previously separate northern and southern air traffic control units, which operated from Air Force bases, into a single center managing all radar, communication, and control systems. The consolidation is expected to increase hourly flight movements from 36 to 60, a nearly 70% rise, significantly enhancing airspace capacity and operational efficiency.

The project aims to differentiate civilian airport operations from military bases and provide a modern, flexible air traffic management system capable of handling the anticipated growth in flights and passenger numbers. Passengers can expect reduced congestion and delays caused by capacity limitations, along with improved flight accuracy and continuity.

Currently, the Israel Airports Authority is conducting a pre-qualification process for contractors as part of the initial phase of establishing the main control unit. However, projections indicate that by 2040, Ben Gurion Airport will reach its maximum capacity of approximately 40 million passengers annually. This project will not increase that maximum capacity, underscoring the ongoing need for an additional airport in Israel to accommodate future demand.