Lois Larson
Palestine currently has no airport within its territory. The closest Palestine has come to having an airport was with the Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza, which was opened in 1998 and ceased operations in 2000, ultimately being destroyed by Israeli forces in 2001. Today, those travelling to Palestine by air must fly to Tel Aviv or Amman and continue by road.
Explore related products
$12.99 $17.99
$16.99
What You'll Learn
Palestine's only airport was destroyed in 2000
Palestine's only airport, Yasser Arafat International Airport, was opened on 24 November 1998. It was built with funding from Egypt, Spain, and Germany and was designed by Moroccan architects. The airport was located in the Gaza Strip, between Rafah and Dahaniya, close to the Egyptian border.
The airport was a significant symbol of peace and progress toward Palestinian statehood and collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians. In 1999, the airport received 90,000 passengers and more than 100 tons of cargo. However, in 2000, the Second Intifada broke out, and the airport saw its last flight depart in 2001. The Israeli military bombed the radar station and bulldozed the runway, and the airport was progressively destroyed by Israel during the Intifada and later conflicts.
Since the destruction of Yasser Arafat International Airport, Palestine has not had an operating airport within its territory. This means that individuals travelling to Palestine must fly to an airport in a neighbouring country, such as Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport in Israel or Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then cross the border into Palestine.
Despite the lack of a functioning airport, three small Palestinian aircraft are still operating out of a local airport in Egypt.
Customer Ticket Agents: On-the-Go or Seated at Airports?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Palestine Flag Beads[ 2 Pack] Palestine MAP Large Glass Tasbeeh-Misbaha-Rosary-Jerusalem-Al Aqsa-QUDS Islamic Favor Quran Muslim Gifts Ramadan Decor Eid Decor W Islamic Gifts 123](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517kIz7b1IL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Three small Palestinian airlines operate out of Egypt
Palestine does not have any airport within its territory. The Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza, located near the Egyptian border, was the country's only airport. It was opened on 24 November 1998 but was destroyed by Israeli forces in 2000 during the Second Intifada. The destruction of the airport meant that Palestine has not had an operating airport since 2000.
Despite not having an airport in Palestine, three small Palestinian airlines operate out of Egypt. The destruction of the main hub of Palestinian Airlines at Gaza International Airport forced it to relocate its operating base to El Arish Airport in Egypt. The airline's first flight was from Port Said Airport in Egypt, while regular services commenced a few months later from El-Arish. Palestinian Airlines was founded in 1995 by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) with the aim of connecting Occupied Palestine with the region. However, it faced several challenges, including the destruction of its main hub and financial difficulties, which ultimately led to its liquidation in December 2020.
Palestine Airways, Aviron, and Palestinian Airlines are the three main airlines in Palestine's aviation history. Palestine Airways was founded in 1934 as 'Land of Israel Airways' by Zionist Pinhas Rutenberg in British Palestine. It operated between 1937 and 1940, with its best year being 1938 when it flew 6,400 passengers. The airline was taken over by the British government's Air Ministry and later used by the RAF for the war effort.
Travelling to Palestine typically involves flying to a nearby country and then crossing borders by land. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, is considered the easiest point of arrival for travellers to Palestine. From there, it is possible to take a taxi or shuttle to Jerusalem and then continue to other West Bank cities in Palestine. However, it is important to note that Palestinian ID cardholders cannot travel through Ben Gurion Airport and must fly to Amman, Jordan, instead. At the border, travellers must go through basic border control procedures and passport checking, which may include waiting for their details to be verified. Communicating in English may also be challenging at the border.
Orlando Airport: Free WiFi Access for All?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Flying to Tel Aviv is the easiest way to reach Palestine
Palestine does not have any airport within its territory. The Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza was operational between 1998 and 2000 when it was destroyed by Israeli forces during the second Intifada. Thus, to fly to Palestine, you must fly to an airport in a neighbouring country and then travel onwards to Palestine.
However, it is important to note that Palestinian ID cardholders cannot travel to Israel or the Palestinian Authority through Ben Gurion Airport. The Israeli government requires them to fly to Amman, Jordan, and enter via the Allenby Bridge border crossing near Jericho in the West Bank. The journey from Amman International Airport to the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge takes about an hour and costs around 30 Jordanian dinars. At the border, you will need to go through basic border control procedures and passport checking. After leaving the border, you will find shared taxis that can take you to Jerusalem. From Jerusalem, you can take another bus to the Palestinian border.
Another option is to fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then take a taxi to the Jordanian-Israeli border. This border crossing is also known as the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and is located 57 km from Amman in the southern Jordan Valley. The trip from the airport to the border crossing costs around 30-35 JD (Jordanian Dinar). It is important to note that communication in English may be limited at the border crossings.
Exploring Sin City: Navigating from Airport to Downtown Las Vegas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The closest airport to Palestine is in Jordan
Palestine does not have any airports. The closest thing to an airport in Palestine was the Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza, which was operational for only two years, from 1998 to 2000, before being destroyed by Israeli forces. Since then, Palestine has not had an operating airport within its territory.
Another option for reaching Palestine is to fly to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. From there, travellers can take a shared or private taxi to Jerusalem and then a bus to other Palestinian cities. However, it is important to note that Palestinian ID cardholders cannot travel through Ben Gurion Airport and must instead enter via the Allenby Bridge border crossing in Jordan.
Where Do the Patriots Touch Down?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Border crossings from Jordan to Palestine are complicated
Palestine does not have any airport within its territory. The Gaza International Airport, also known as Yasser Arafat International Airport, was established in 1998 but was destroyed by Israeli forces in 2000 during the second Intifada. As a result, there are no direct flights to Palestine.
Multiple Border Crossings
There are three land border crossings between Jordan and Palestine that tourists can use. Each crossing has two names, one on the Jordanian side and the other on the Israeli/Palestinian side. From north to south, these are:
- The Northern Crossing: Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River Border Crossing
- The Central Crossing: King Hussein / Allenby Bridge Border Crossing (also known as the Allenby Bridge on the Palestinian side)
- The Southern Crossing: Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing
Transportation to the Border
Travellers can take a taxi or bus to the border. A taxi from Amman to the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge costs around 30-35 JD (Jordanian Dinar). A bus to the border costs 8 JD, but a taxi is more convenient as the bus station is far from the border.
Border Procedures
The procedure at the border is straightforward, but communication can be challenging as English is rarely spoken. Foreign passport holders should ask for directions to the foreign passport checkpoint. There are two buses that go to the Israeli border, and foreign travellers must board the designated bus for foreign passengers. It takes about 40 minutes to travel from the Jordanian checkpoint to the Israeli checkpoint.
Israeli Border Control
After reaching the Israeli border, travellers must collect their baggage and follow the crowd or ask for directions to get their bags tagged and checked. Basic border control procedures and passport checks will be conducted. Passports may be held for various reasons, and staff may not provide an explanation. It is advisable to wait patiently during this process.
Travelling to Palestinian Cities
After clearing Israeli border control, shared taxis are available to Jerusalem. For other West Bank cities, travellers must take a bus to the Palestinian border and then another shared taxi to their destination. A shared taxi from the border costs about 35 shekels to Nablus and around 50 shekels to Hebron or Ramallah.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of most Western countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at several entry points, including Ben Gurion Airport, Eilat Airport, and the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. However, starting in 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be submitted before travelling to Israel. This ETA is valid for two years, and the approved visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is important to note that Israel has been known to deny entry to travellers of certain ethnicities, religions, or perceived political affiliations.
Vapes and Airport Security: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Palestine does not have any airport. The Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza was opened in 1998 but was destroyed by Israeli forces in 2000 during the Second Intifada.
The easiest option is to fly to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Jerusalem, and then travel onwards to other Palestinian cities.
You can fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then take a taxi to the Jordanian-Israeli border (known as the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge). You will need to cross the border and then take a bus to Jerusalem, and from there to other Palestinian cities.
