Ben Gurion Airport Prepares for 2.5 Million Passengers in August Amid High Demand

Ben Gurion Airport is expected to handle 2.5 million passengers in August, with 61 airlines operating across Terminals 1 and 3, according to the Israel Airports Authority. This figure approaches the pre-pandemic peak of 2.8 million passengers and 80 airlines in August 2019. Airlines are responding to the surge in demand by increasing flight capacity, including Israeli carriers El Al, Israir, and Arkia, as well as foreign airlines. Lufthansa plans to operate 54 weekly flights in August, Etihad has significantly expanded its Tel Aviv-Abu Dhabi route since July, and ITA Airways and Air Baltic have also increased seat availability on flights from Israel. Domestic flights are also growing, with Israeli airline Air Haifa launching services from Ramon Airport.

The Israel Airports Authority projects that during the peak months of July, August, and September 2026, Ben Gurion will see about 7.07 million passengers, up from 5.8 million in the same period in 2025 and nearing the 7.6 million peak in 2019. To manage the increased passenger flow, Terminal 1 has reopened fully for domestic flights to Ramon Airport as of June 28 and for low-cost international flights starting July 1, easing congestion at Terminal 3. Travelers are advised to check terminal assignments before arrival. Additionally, a new "one-hour waiting lot" between the terminals offers free parking for 60 minutes to drivers picking up passengers, with a charge of half a shekel per minute thereafter to reduce traffic congestion around the airport.