2.6 million passengers and 47 airlines: Ben Gurion Airport braces for August surge
The Airports Authority urges travelers to arrive early as daily traffic is expected to approach 100,000 passengers during peak dates.
The past 24 hours at Ben Gurion Airport have been busy both in the air and on the ground, with delays in takeoffs and landings, as well as long waiting times at security checkpoints, check-in counters and baggage claim areas.
According to the Airports Authority, the peak travel period is still ahead, with approximately 2.6 million passengers expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport in August. A total of 47 airlines, including Israeli carriers, are expected to operate flights during the month.
The most popular destinations in August are expected to be Greece, Cyprus, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Germany. During weekdays in August, excluding weekends, between 90,000 and 95,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport each day on incoming and outgoing flights.
The Airports Authority said that five dates are expected to be particularly crowded, most of them Thursdays, with around 100,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport each day: August 6, 13, 17, 20 and 27.
Due to the expected congestion, the Airports Authority is urging passengers to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport three hours before departure, complete check-in procedures online whenever possible, verify the departure terminal and updated flight times in advance, and use self-service baggage stations to tag and check in luggage.
Passengers who have completed online check-in and are traveling with carry-on luggage only are encouraged to use the W area, which allows for faster passage through the airport.
The Airports Authority called on passengers to remain patient during the busy summer period. “During the summer, Ben Gurion Airport operates at particularly high levels of activity, and there may be localized congestion and longer waiting times than usual at certain times,” the authority said.
