Ben Gurion Airport Expands Terminal 3 with 86 New Check-In Counters and Retail Space

The Israel Airports Authority has announced a major expansion of Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport aimed at increasing the airport's annual passenger capacity from 30 million to approximately 40 million. The project will add 86 new check-in counters and expanded passenger service areas, retail spaces, moving walkways, a new baggage handling system, and upgraded security screening facilities.

The expansion covers about 63,000 square meters and includes two main buildings. The first is a new four-story terminal extension (GT1) of roughly 41,000 square meters on the eastern side of Terminal 3. It will feature passenger halls, 86 additional check-in counters supplementing the existing 120, retail and duty-free shops, restaurants, offices, training rooms, storage, technical rooms, and protected spaces. This building will connect to the airport’s multi-level bridge via two new bridges over the existing railway track.

The second building (DP3), spanning approximately 22,000 square meters, will house the new baggage screening and sorting system. Above this structure, a hotel is planned for future construction. DP3 will include operational halls, a gallery floor, offices, storage, staff rest areas, locker rooms, technical rooms, and protected spaces.

According to the Israel Airports Authority, this expansion is part of a broader development plan already underway at Ben Gurion, including the construction of a fifth terminal wing. Yiftach Ron Tal, chairman of the authority, emphasized the project’s strategic importance for Israel’s future, stating it reflects a commitment to maintain Ben Gurion as the country’s main international gateway while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and service.