Heavy Traffic Expected at Ben Gurion Airport
The last Thursday of August and the final one before the start of the school year brings heavy traffic at Ben Gurion Airport: approximately 95,000 passengers are expected to pass through today on incoming and outgoing flights. Following recent disruptions and discussions with the workers’ committee, there is currently no threat of another strike. Here are the things you should know before arriving at the airport.
If you are flying from Ben Gurion Airport today or returning to Israel, it’s advisable to come prepared: an exceptionally busy day is expected today (Thursday, August 27) at Ben Gurion Airport.
Approximately 95,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport today on international flights, marking one of the busiest days of the year at the airport.
The timing is, of course, not coincidental: it is the last Thursday of August and also the last Thursday before the end of the summer vacation and the start of the school year.
Many families are returning these days from summer vacations abroad, while other Israelis are taking advantage of the last days of August to go on another weekend getaway before returning to school and routine.
What About the Disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport?
The congestion follows recent tensions between the management of the Israel Airports Authority and the workers’ committee, and the disruptions in airport operations.
The good news for those flying today is that according to the information provided, there is currently no threat of another strike.
In recent days, discussions have taken place between the airport management and the heads of the workers’ committee, during which understandings were reached to prevent another shutdown of operations.
Therefore, the expected congestion today is not due to labor disputes, but mainly due to the high volume of passenger traffic towards the end of August.
Flying Today? Don’t Arrive Too Early
The Israel Airports Authority recommends that passengers arrive at Ben Gurion Airport about three hours before departure – and not earlier.
This point is especially important on a busy day: arriving much earlier does not necessarily shorten the wait and may actually add passengers to the terminal before their flight processing begins.
It is recommended to check-in from home, ensure you have received your boarding pass, and check which terminal your flight departs from before heading to Ben Gurion Airport.
It is important to remember that international flights currently depart from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Only Carry-On? There’s a Faster Way
Those who have checked in advance and are flying with hand luggage only can proceed directly to Area W and continue from there with the departure process.
Passengers with suitcases can also save time using self-service stations: you can tag your luggage independently and transfer it at the designated self-service baggage counters.
On a day when tens of thousands of passengers pass through the terminals, every step that can be completed in advance may save time.
Driving to the Airport? Pay Attention to Parking
Choosing the parking lot in advance can also prevent unnecessary rounds around Ben Gurion Airport.
For those flying from Terminal 1, it is recommended to use Parking Lot 22, while for passengers departing from Terminal 3, Parking Lots 15, 26, and 28 are recommended, depending on availability and guidance on site.
During peak days, congestion may also occur in the parking system, so it is advisable to take this into account when planning your arrival time.
Special Warning for Reservists
The Israel Airports Authority reiterates its request to reservists and those carrying weapons to thoroughly check their bags before leaving home.
Ensure that no magazines, ammunition, weapons, or other military equipment that could cause delays during security checks remain in hand luggage.
A one-minute check at home can prevent significant delays at the airport.
Returning to Israel Today? Expect Congestion Too
The approximately 95,000 passengers expected today include not only those departing abroad but also thousands of Israelis and tourists landing at Ben Gurion Airport.
For those landing and planning to continue their journey by taxi, it is recommended to use the supervised taxi service operating at the airport via GETT.
In any case, on such a busy day, it is advisable to anticipate longer than usual waiting times even after landing.
95,000 Passengers in One Day
August has already been one of the busiest months of the year at Ben Gurion Airport, and today marks one of the last peak points of the summer vacation.
Therefore, if you are among the 95,000 passengers passing through the airport today, the most important recommendation is simply to come prepared: check-in at home, verify the terminal, arrive about three hours before the flight, and maintain a bit more patience than usual.
The summer vacation is almost behind us – but before it ends, Ben Gurion Airport faces another particularly busy day.
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