Ben Gurion Airport Launches Major Expansion of Terminal 3 to Boost Capacity

Israel Airports Authority has announced a flagship tender for a major expansion of Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport, led by Transportation Minister Miri Regev. The project aims to address the rising passenger traffic and the return of international airlines by significantly increasing the airport's capacity to approximately 40 million passengers annually.

The expansion will add a new eastern wing to Terminal 3, covering about 63,000 square meters. This includes two main structures: a new four-story terminal building (GT1) of 41,000 square meters featuring spacious passenger halls, 86 new check-in counters supplementing the existing 120, retail and duty-free areas, restaurants, offices, training rooms, storage, technical rooms, and protected spaces; and a 22,000 square meter advanced logistics building (DP3) for baggage screening and sorting, equipped with operational halls, offices, restrooms, and technical facilities.

This ground infrastructure expansion is part of Ben Gurion Airport's comprehensive development plan, which also includes the construction of a fifth terminal wing. The goal is to prepare the airport for expected passenger growth over the coming decades.

Minister Regev emphasized the strategic importance of the investment, citing the open skies policy and growing flight demand as drivers for upgrading Israel's aviation infrastructure. Israel Airports Authority Chairman Yiftach Ron-Tal highlighted the project as a commitment to maintaining Ben Gurion as Israel's main international gateway with high standards of safety, security, and service.

The tender marks the start of one of the largest infrastructure projects at Ben Gurion in recent years, aiming to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency at the country's busiest airport.