Ben Gurion Airport Prepares for Record Passenger Surge as Terminal 1 Reopens

Ben Gurion Airport is expecting an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic starting Thursday, coinciding with the reopening of Terminal 1 for international flights after months of closure due to the war. The airport authority has reported that Terminal 1 will handle approximately 230,000 international passengers in July, averaging 8,000 to 9,000 daily. This terminal offers expedited security checks, dining options, and duty-free shops to ease the summer travel rush.

Alongside Terminal 1's reopening, Terminal 3 is also experiencing increased passenger volumes. On Thursday alone, the airport anticipates about 85,000 international travelers, marking one of the busiest days since foreign airlines resumed regular operations. Overall, July is projected to see around 2.3 million passengers pass through Ben Gurion, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.

Currently, four airlines operate from Terminal 1, including Israir, Arkia, and the low-cost carrier Wizz Air, which recently moved back from Terminal 3. The airport authority urges passengers to prepare in advance by checking in online, confirming their departure terminal, arriving three hours before flights, and using self-service kiosks for baggage tagging and drop-off. Travelers with hand luggage who have checked in online are encouraged to use the W terminal area for faster security processing.