Ben Gurion Airport Prepares for Record August Traffic as Air Haifa Launches Thessaloniki Route

Ben Gurion Airport is gearing up for one of its busiest months this year, expecting approximately 2.6 million passengers throughout August. The Israel Airports Authority reported that 47 airlines, including Israeli carriers, will operate flights to a wide range of global destinations. On weekdays, excluding weekends, daily passenger traffic is projected between 90,000 and 95,000, with five peak days reaching around 100,000 passengers each: August 6, 13, 17, 20, and 27. Popular destinations this month include Greece, Cyprus, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Germany. The authority advises travelers to arrive three hours before departure, check in online, and use self-service kiosks when possible. Passengers with hand luggage only and pre-checked in can use the expedited W terminal. Public transportation is recommended, and reservists are reminded to check their bags for military equipment to avoid security delays.

In parallel, Air Haifa announced a new route launching on October 25, connecting Haifa to Thessaloniki, Greece, with twice-weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays. Ticket prices start at 89 euros one-way, subject to availability. Flights will land at Macedonia Airport near Thessaloniki's city center. This new destination expands Air Haifa’s network, which currently includes Larnaca, Paphos, Athens, Rhodes, Mykonos, Crete, Karpathos, Eilat, and Sofia in winter. The airline also reported a record July, flying about 58,000 passengers, doubling last July’s numbers, following 45,000 passengers in June.

Meanwhile, American Airlines postponed its return to Tel Aviv, extending the suspension of flights to Ben Gurion Airport until at least the end of March 2027. The airline halted service after the October 7, 2023 attack.

Additionally, Israir Airlines began operating a special air bridge to Eilat on Monday, transporting around 2,000 passengers on its first day. This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority after the closure of Sde Dov Airport, offers at least ten daily flights between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. The service aims to maintain connectivity for residents, healthcare, and business sectors, enabling same-day travel between central Israel and Eilat. Israir plans to continue this operation to support the city’s economy and residents.