Flying in August? These are the days when Ben Gurion Airport is particularly busy
Ahead of the peak summer season, the Israel Airports Authority has released data and recommendations for passengers. Up to 2.6 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport every Thursday until the end of the month, with an average of 100,000 people daily. Ben Gurion Airport reiterated its call for passengers to arrive three hours before their flight and to use public transport due to parking congestion.
Ben Gurion Airport announced that until the end of the month, more than 2.6 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport every Thursday. In total, an average of 100,000 passengers will pass through the airport daily. Authorities recommend arriving at least three hours before departure, preferably by public transport due to parking congestion. While the German airline Condor has resumed its route to Israel after 70 years, major American carriers are choosing to stay away. American Airlines will not return until April 2027, while Delta and other aviation giants may return in September.
The Israel Airports Authority published a forecast for the busiest days of the peak summer season, along with a series of recommendations.
In addition to the Thursday peaks, August 17 (Monday) is also expected to be highly congested. The recommendation is to prepare for long wait times and exercise patience.
"Arrive at the airport three hours before your flight, no later. There are cases where passengers arrive less than two hours before takeoff, only to find the gate closed and miss their long-awaited flight," officials stated.
Furthermore, the airport reiterated that using public transport is highly recommended, as parking lots are expected to be at capacity. It is important to note that this applies only to weekdays, as there is no public transport on the weekend.
On a brighter note, Ben Gurion Airport is seeing some positive developments. Just two days ago, the German airline Condor resumed its route to Israel after 70 years.
However, there is less favorable news regarding American carriers: American Airlines, the world's largest airline, will not return to Israel until next year. Despite hopes for a faster return, the American aviation giant will not resume operations until the end of the winter season, in April 2027. Delta, United Airlines, and Air Canada have also suspended flights for several months and may only return in early September.
