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Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, is set to reopen its Terminal 1 in late March 2025. The terminal was temporarily closed in October 2023 due to the Hamas attack and the resulting decline in international tourism amid the Gaza War. The Israeli Airport Authority estimates that Terminal 1 will serve around 1,370-1,377 flights in April, constituting approximately 25% of all flights at Ben Gurion Airport. The reopening of the terminal is expected to reduce airfare to and from Israel and provide passengers with direct access to popular European destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | Late March 2025 |
| Terminal | 1 |
| Reason for Closure | Sharp decline in air travel due to the October 2023 Hamas attack and the resulting war |
| Number of Flights | Around 1,370-1,377 flights in April 2025 |
| Percentage of Flights at Ben Gurion Airport | 25% |
| Airlines | El Al, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Arkia, Israir, EasyJet (resuming in June), Lufthansa Group |
| Flight Destinations | Tel Aviv, Paris, Dubai, Sofia, Budapest, Bucharest, Berlin, Rome, Athens, Rhodes, Warsaw, Vienna, New York |
| Impact on Fares | No immediate reduction expected |
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What You'll Learn
- Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 reopens in late March 2025
- The terminal closed in October 2023 due to the Hamas attack on Israel
- The Israel Airports Authority estimates 25% of all flights will use Terminal 1
- The terminal is important for airlines looking to reduce operating costs
- International airlines resume flights to Israel, reducing airfare
Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 reopens in late March 2025
Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 is set to reopen in late March 2025. The terminal was temporarily closed after the October 2023 Hamas attack, which resulted in a sharp decline in international tourism to Israel due to the Gaza War.
The Israeli Airports Authority (IAA) estimates that Terminal 1 will serve around 1,370-1,377 flights in April, constituting approximately 25% of all flights at Ben Gurion Airport. The reopening of the terminal will reconnect Israel with European destinations, providing passengers with direct access to cities such as Sofia, Budapest, Bucharest, Berlin, Rome, Athens, Rhodes, Warsaw, and Vienna.
The closure of Terminal 1 had a significant impact on air travel to and from Israel. Several budget carriers, including Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet, halted their flights to Tel Aviv. The absence of international competitors led to a sharp increase in ticket prices, particularly on flights between Israel and the United States, where the domestic carrier El Al held a near monopoly.
The reopening of Terminal 1 is expected to gradually reduce the currently high airfares to and from Israel. In the first stage of the reopening, El Al is predicted to operate 80 weekly flights from Terminal 1, followed by Wizz Air with 110, Ryanair with 86, Arkia with 40, and Israir with over 30. EasyJet, however, will not resume flights to Israel until June.
The Israel Airports Authority closed Terminal 1 in November 2024 to carry out renovations and maintenance work. Terminal 1 is important for airlines aiming to reduce operating costs due to its lower taxes and more basic services compared to Terminal 3.
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The terminal closed in October 2023 due to the Hamas attack on Israel
On 7 October 2023, Hamas and other armed groups indiscriminately fired rockets into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, including over 800 civilians, and abducting 223 civilians. They also captured 27 soldiers and carried out deliberate mass killings and hostage-taking. In response, Israel launched a military offensive that brought Gaza's population to the brink of collapse. The Israeli offensive killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, including over 13,300 children, and injured over 97,000 more by 7 October 2024.
Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023 led to the temporary closure of Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1. The terminal primarily serves domestic and low-cost international flights. The attack caused a sharp decline in international tourism to Israel amid the Gaza War.
Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 is set to reopen in late March 2025 as international airlines resume flights to Israel. The Israeli Airport Authority (IAA) predicts that the terminal will serve more than 1,370 flights in April 2025, constituting around 25% of all flights at Ben Gurion Airport. The reopening of the terminal will reconnect Israel with popular European destinations, including Sofia, Budapest, Bucharest, Berlin, Rome, Athens, Rhodes, Warsaw, and Vienna.
The resumption of international airline services to Israel is expected to reduce the currently high airfare to and from the state. Over the past year of war, the domestic carrier El Al held a monopoly on many routes from Ben Gurion Airport due to the absence of international competition, leading to a sharp increase in ticket prices.
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The Israel Airports Authority estimates 25% of all flights will use Terminal 1
Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 is set to reopen in late March 2025 as international airlines resume flights to Israel. The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) estimates that 25% of all flights at Ben Gurion Airport will use Terminal 1, totalling about 1,377 flights during April 2025. This estimate indicates a significant recovery in flight operations at the airport, which had experienced a sharp decline in air travel since the October 2023 Hamas attack and the ensuing war.
The IAA's prediction of 1,377 flights using Terminal 1 in April represents a notable increase in aviation activity. Terminal 1 was temporarily closed in November 2024 for renovations and maintenance, addressing the need for updates after a period of reduced usage. The closure followed an earlier shutdown in 2023 due to the decrease in airline activity to and from Israel caused by the war and the absence of foreign airlines.
The reopening of Terminal 1 is expected to have a positive impact on flight options and fares. Terminal 1 is particularly attractive to low-cost carriers and budget airlines because it charges lower taxes than Terminal 3. The lower fees are a result of the terminal's more basic services, including fewer duty-free store options and smaller passenger lounges. These factors contribute to a cost reduction of around $20 per passenger, making it a preferable choice for airlines aiming to minimise operating expenses.
While the reopening of Terminal 1 is a positive development, it is important to manage expectations regarding airfare reductions. A senior executive at a low-cost airline operating at Ben Gurion Airport has stated that no immediate decreases in ticket prices are anticipated due to the additional costs associated with transitioning between terminals. Nonetheless, the increased availability of flights and the competition among carriers may contribute to stabilising or optimising fares over time.
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The terminal is important for airlines looking to reduce operating costs
Ben Gurion Airport, located near Tel Aviv, is set to reopen its Terminal 1 in late March 2025 as international airlines resume flights to Israel. The terminal, primarily catering to domestic and low-cost international flights, holds significance for airlines aiming to reduce their operating costs.
The airport's strategic location near Highway 1, the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway, and Highway 40, enhances its accessibility for airlines and passengers alike. Israel Railways also provides a convenient train service from the airport to various parts of the country, making it a preferred choice for travellers.
Ben Gurion Airport has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1934 as an airstrip with two unpaved runways. Over the years, it has witnessed a significant increase in passenger traffic, with extensions and improvements made to its runways to accommodate the growing demand. The airport is well-regarded in the Middle East for its high level of security, ensuring the safety of travellers and airlines staff.
The reopening of Terminal 1 is expected to reduce airfares to and from Israel, which had previously risen sharply due to the absence of international competitors during the war. With the return of international airlines, passengers will benefit from increased options and more competitive pricing. This development is a welcome change, especially for flights between Israel and the United States, where a near-monopoly existed, resulting in elevated ticket prices.
Additionally, the airport's efficient management of security concerns and its status as one of the few convenient entry points into Israel contribute to its attractiveness for airlines. Ben Gurion Airport's commitment to safety and its ability to handle a high volume of passenger traffic make it a strategic choice for airlines looking to optimise their operations and reduce costs associated with security measures and alternative transportation methods.
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International airlines resume flights to Israel, reducing airfare
Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 is set to reopen in late March 2025 as international airlines resume flights to Israel. The terminal was temporarily closed in November 2024 for renovation and maintenance work, following a sharp decline in international tourism to Israel due to the war with Hamas and security concerns. During this period, domestic carrier El Al held a monopoly on many routes from Ben Gurion Airport, leading to a significant increase in ticket prices.
The reopening of Terminal 1 is expected to reduce airfare costs for passengers. Terminal 1 charges lower taxes than Terminal 3 as it offers more basic services, including fewer duty-free stores and smaller passenger lounges. This results in a savings of around $20 per passenger. The Israeli Airport Authority (IAA) estimates that Terminal 1 will serve more than 1,370 flights in April 2025, constituting around 25% of all flights at Ben Gurion Airport.
Several international airlines have resumed or increased their flights to Israel. El Al is expected to operate 80 weekly flights from Terminal 1, Wizz Air will operate 110 weekly flights, Ryanair 86 weekly flights, Arkia 40 weekly flights, and Israir over 30 weekly flights. Additionally, Israir has announced plans to offer up to six non-stop flights per week between Israel and New York during the summer, providing more affordable airfare options.
The reopening of Terminal 1 will reconnect Israel with popular European destinations. The airport authority stated that "The return of airlines to Terminal 1 will provide passengers with direct access to destinations including Sofia, Budapest, Bucharest, Berlin, Rome, Athens, Rhodes, Warsaw, and Vienna." This resumption of international flights and increased competition is expected to gradually reduce the previously high airfare rates to and from Israel.
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Frequently asked questions
Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 was closed in November 2024 for renovation and maintenance work.
The terminal was closed due to a sharp decline in air travel since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the resulting Gaza War.
Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 is set to reopen in the last week of March 2025.
The terminal will be used for domestic and low-cost international flights.
