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

Israel Airports Authority (IAA) is advancing plans to expand Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport to accommodate an expected annual passenger volume of around 40 million. The expansion will add a new eastern wing spanning approximately 63,000 square meters, featuring 86 check-in counters, passenger lounges, restaurants, retail spaces, and a new duty-free area. The project includes two buildings: a four-story structure of about 41,000 square meters and a 22,000 square meter logistics building equipped with screening and sorting systems.

The IAA published the tender for the Terminal 3 expansion on Wednesday, with a bidders' meeting scheduled for July 15 and a submission deadline of September 24. This development follows the recent announcement of a new main control unit at Ben Gurion, which will increase hourly flight movements from 36 to 60, a nearly 70% rise.

Despite these upgrades, the airport is projected to reach its maximum capacity of 40 million passengers per year by 2040. The current projects will not increase this cap, underscoring the need for a new aviation hub in Israel. IAA Chairman, retired Brigadier General Yiftach Ron-Tal, emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion, stating it reflects a commitment to prepare Israel's main international gateway for future decades while maintaining high standards of safety, security, and service.