Ben Gurion Airport Plans Massive Terminal 3 Expansion to Handle 40 Million Passengers

Ben Gurion Airport is preparing for a significant increase in passenger traffic by expanding Terminal 3 with a new eastern wing covering approximately 63,000 square meters. This expansion will add 86 new check-in counters, passenger service areas, commercial spaces, moving walkways, a new baggage handling system, and advanced security screening technologies. The project responds to the steady rise in passenger numbers and the return of international airlines to Israel.

The expansion includes two main structures: a new four-story terminal building (GT1) of about 41,000 square meters featuring spacious passenger halls, retail and duty-free areas, restaurants, offices, training rooms, storage, technical rooms, and protected spaces. This building will connect to the existing multi-level bridge via two new bridges over the railway line and will showcase modern glass facades and stone cladding. The second structure is a 22,000 square meter advanced logistics building (DP3) for baggage screening and sorting, including operational halls, offices, restrooms, and protected areas, constructed with high-quality architectural concrete finishes.

This expansion is part of a broader development plan that also includes constructing a fifth terminal wing to accommodate future passenger growth over the coming decades. The goal is to enhance service quality, reduce waiting times, and maintain Ben Gurion as Israel's primary international gateway.

Yiftach Ron Tal, Chairman of the Israel Airports Authority, emphasized the strategic importance of the project for the country's future readiness, highlighting investments in national infrastructure to uphold high safety, security, and service standards. Sharon Kadmi, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority, noted that the Terminal 3 expansion is part of a multi-year development plan involving billions of shekels to upgrade airport infrastructure, including the new terminal wing, baggage and security systems, expanded aircraft aprons, a new control tower, and other facilities to increase capacity to about 40 million passengers annually.