Revolution at Ben-Gurion: How the Country's Main Airport Will Change

Ben-Gurion Airport is launching a massive modernization to increase capacity to 40 million passengers a year. The project includes rebuilding interchanges near Highway 1, a new tunnel, expansion of Terminal 3, 90 new check-in counters, doubling the food court and parking to 40,000 spaces, and building a 260-room hotel. Work will proceed without stopping terminal operations.

Ben-Gurion Airport is embarking on a large-scale renovation aimed at increasing capacity to 40 million passengers per year. The project is being carried out by the Ministry of Transport and the company 'Netivei Israel' to eliminate logistical bottlenecks and improve passenger comfort, with August passenger numbers exceeding 2.5 million. A key part of the project is the redevelopment of transport interchanges near Highway 1. Construction of a new tunnel, bridges, and overpasses will provide direct access to Terminal 3 from Jerusalem and Highway 6. For drivers from Tel Aviv, the route will be shortened by about 10 kilometers. Terminal 3 itself, built in 2004, is set for expansion: an additional 'finger' for aircraft, installation of 90 new check-in counters (in addition to the existing 120), modernization of underground baggage systems and new baggage carousels. The food court area will double, and parking will grow from 21,000 to 40,000 spaces. A seven-story, five-star hotel with 260 rooms and a rooftop pool is also planned. The Airports Authority administration emphasizes that work will be carried out without stopping terminal operations, ensuring uninterrupted service for the growing flow of tourists and returning international airlines.