Ben Gurion Airport is gearing up for one of the busiest travel periods of the year: 1.13 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport over the Sukkot holiday, with peak days reaching around 100,000 passengers or more. The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has published its traffic forecast, the list of the most popular destinations and practical tips that can save you valuable time on the way to your vacation.
According to the Israel Airports Authority, operations and service teams at Ben Gurion Airport, Ramon and Haifa airports and the land border crossings have completed their preparations for the heavy holiday traffic. The goal is to maintain smooth operations, flight safety and passenger service throughout the entire period.
1.13 Million Passengers at Ben Gurion Airport in Less Than Two Weeks
From Tuesday, September 22, at the end of Yom Kippur, through Sunday, October 4 (Isru Chag of Sukkot), about 1.13 million arriving and departing passengers are expected at Ben Gurion Airport. During Sukkot itself, more than 90,000 passengers a day will pass through the airport – a figure that shows how crowded the terminals, security screening, check-in counters and baggage claim areas are likely to be.
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The Busiest Days at Ben Gurion Airport During Sukkot
According to IAA figures, about 105,000 passengers on 614 flights are expected at Ben Gurion on Thursday, September 24. On Thursday, October 1, another peak of around 100,000 passengers is expected.
Even on days that are not defined as peak days, traffic will be exceptionally high, with more than 90,000 passengers every day of the holiday. The takeaway for travelers is clear: leave for the airport early, confirm your terminal and flight time in advance, and don’t leave check-in to the last minute.
Before heading to the airport, we also recommend reading our complete guide to flight check-in, especially if you haven’t flown recently or are traveling with children and luggage.
The Most Popular Holiday Destinations
Greece and Cyprus top the list of Israelis’ favorite Sukkot destinations, followed by Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Germany, Georgia and France. The mix of nearby destinations for short breaks and long-haul destinations reflects the holiday calendar and the strong demand for flights during this period.
- Greece
- Cyprus
- Italy
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Germany
- Georgia
- France
Tens of Thousands of Passengers at Ramon and Haifa Airports Too
The rush isn’t limited to Ben Gurion. About 35,000 passengers are expected at Ramon Airport over the holiday period, and about 22,000 at Haifa Airport. The Israel Airports Authority said preparations for the expected traffic have been completed at these facilities as well.
157,000 Passengers Expected at the Land Border Crossings
About 157,000 travelers are expected to use the land border crossings during the holiday. The Menachem Begin crossing to Taba is preparing for about 50,000 passengers; the Yitzhak Rabin crossing in the Arava for about 27,000; the Allenby crossing for about 50,000; and the Jordan River crossing for about 30,000.
If you’re traveling through a land crossing, pay the passenger fee in advance to shorten your wait and avoid unnecessary delays on the day of travel.
Flying Over Sukkot? The IAA’s Key Recommendations
- Check your departure terminal in advance. The information appears on your ticket and in the airline’s channels, but it’s worth double-checking shortly before you leave home.
- Check in from home. Checking in early can save time at the counters and make your way to security smoother.
- Print your bag tag at the self-service kiosks. Passengers flying with airlines that support this service can speed up bag drop.
- Traveling with carry-on only? Passengers who have already checked in online can use the fast lane in Zone W at Terminals 1 and 3.
- Stay updated with your airline. Changes to the boarding gate, terminal or departure time can happen close to the flight.
- A warning for reservists and security personnel: make sure no ammunition or prohibited items have been left in your bags before arriving for your flight.
How to Prepare for Your Flight Day
With the expected holiday crowds, even a small hiccup can turn into a significant delay. Prepare passports, booking confirmations and any documents required at your destination in advance, check your airline’s baggage rules and keep your flight details on your phone. Families with children should have everything needed for security screening ready ahead of time, so they don’t have to open suitcases in line.
The Israel Airports Authority asks the public to prepare in advance, follow official updates and act according to the instructions of staff at the airports and border crossings.
Source and photos: Israel Airports Authority.
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