Ben Gurion Airport Launches Major Terminal 3 Expansion to Handle 40 Million Passengers Annually

Israel Airports Authority has announced a flagship tender for a massive expansion of Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport, aiming to increase the airport's capacity to approximately 40 million passengers per year. This development responds to the steady growth in passenger traffic and the return of international airlines to Israel. The project is designed to accommodate expected demand over the coming decades, improve passenger service, and reduce waiting times.

The expansion includes constructing a new four-story wing on the eastern side of Terminal 3, covering about 63,000 square meters. The first phase involves enlarging the terminal building (GT1) by roughly 41,000 square meters, featuring spacious passenger halls, expanded retail and duty-free areas, restaurants, offices, training rooms, storage, technical rooms, and protected spaces. This new section will connect to the multi-level bridge via two new bridges over the railway and will incorporate glass facades and stone cladding. Additionally, about 86 new check-in counters will be added to the existing 120.

The second phase involves building a 22,000-square-meter advanced logistics structure (DP3) for security screening and baggage sorting. This concrete building will house state-of-the-art security screening systems and Ben Gurion's new baggage management and sorting system, along with operational halls, a gallery floor, offices, storage, restrooms, locker rooms, technical rooms, and protected spaces.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion, citing the open skies policy, the return of airlines, and rising flight demand as reasons for continued investment in Israel's aviation infrastructure. She stated, "Expanding Terminal 3 is a strategic investment that will ensure the public receives advanced, safe, and efficient service in the years ahead."