✈️ The year 2025 concludes with a sharp rise in passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport and border crossings: The Airports Authority releases the year’s data, with Greece, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates topping the list of popular destinations.
Aviation Sector Recovers: Over 18 Million International Passengers Passed Through Ben Gurion This Year
The year 2025 marked a turning point for the Israeli aviation market. Despite the complex security situation and the consequences of the war, Israeli aviation returned to almost full operation, and even beyond.
According to the Israel Airports Authority, over 18.6 million passengers traveled on international flights at Ben Gurion Airport this year, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous year. Aircraft movements totaled more than 134,000 flights, with around 60 international airlines resuming operations in Israel.
These Are the Five Countries Most Israelis Flew to in 2025
The demand for international flights soared, and the leading destinations reflect a return to the popularity of classic vacation spots alongside new trends:
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🇬🇷 Greece – approximately 2.2 million passengers
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🇺🇸 United States – approximately 1.6 million passengers
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🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates – approximately 1.5 million passengers
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🇮🇹 Italy – approximately 1.2 million passengers
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🇨🇾 Cyprus – approximately 1.2 million passengers
Leading Airlines in Israel: El Al in First Place
Israeli airlines continue to lead the local market:
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El Al – market share of approximately 38%
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Israir – in second place
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Arkia – in third place
Together, the three companies account for about 58% of all passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport. In fourth place: the Hungarian Wizz Air, which continues to strengthen in Israel. ✈️ Find the best flight deals – Click here
Haifa Airport: Reviving with Nearly 200,000 International Passengers
Haifa International Airport recorded dramatic growth this year, mainly with the entry of Air Haifa.
A total of approximately 280,000 passengers passed through the airport, with around 198,000 on international flights.
Ramon Airport – Eilat: 13% Growth in Passenger Traffic
Ramon Airport in the south ended the year with approximately 750,000 passengers – an increase of about 13%. The vast majority (about 742,000) were on domestic flights, mainly on routes to Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Border Crossings: Taba Surges, Allenby Declines
Land border crossings also show improvement:
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Yitzhak Rabin Crossing – approximately 1.93 million passengers (19% increase)
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Taba Crossing – approximately 960,000 passengers (56% increase)
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Jordan River Crossing – approximately 495,000 passengers (24% increase)
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Allenby Crossing – approximately 1.87 million passengers (6% decrease)
Infrastructure Renewal: Investment of Approximately 7.9 Billion NIS
The Israel Airports Authority submitted a plan to the government worth nearly 8 billion NIS, including:
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Expansion of Ben Gurion Airport
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Improving passenger experience
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Enhancing safety and service
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Developing additional border crossings
Transport Minister Miri Regev: “Advanced and Safe Israeli Aviation”
Regev stated:
“The year 2025 proves that Israeli aviation can handle challenges and grow even in complex times. Investment in infrastructure is part of an overall strategic vision.”
Director General of the Ministry of Transport, Moshe Ben Zaken, added:
“The return of international airlines to Israel indicates resilience, security, and readiness for the future.”
The year 2025 marks a true recovery for the Israeli aviation sector. The demand for flights has returned and even surpassed expectations, with leading destinations being Greece, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates, indicating a robust return to tourism activity by Israelis.
