Large influx of travelers at Ben Gurion Airport, reaching over 85,000 individuals in a single day
In the midst of ongoing disruptions, Ben Gurion Airport in Israel has witnessed a significant surge in passenger traffic, marking a milestone not seen since the early stages of the war. Since March 18, Houthi forces in Yemen have launched 68 ballistic missiles and at least 18 drones at Israel, causing ongoing disruption to international flights.
Despite these challenges, the airport has been making strides to accommodate the growing number of travellers. On Thursday, 14 August 2023, Ben Gurion Airport recorded its busiest day since the start of the war on 7 October 2023, with over 85,800 passengers. To handle this surge, Terminal 1 has been reopened for both international and domestic flights, and a new 3,900-square-metre check-in and security screening hall has been inaugurated in Terminal 3.
More than 43,700 passengers departed from Ben Gurion Airport on that day, while approximately 42,100 arrived or returned. However, ongoing disruptions and limited capacity have pushed airfares to record highs. Ticket prices this summer are up 61% compared to two years ago, with Rome topping the list, where prices have jumped by 119%, ranging from $259 to $567.
The popular destinations this summer from Ben Gurion Airport are Greece, Cyprus, the United States, and Italy. Yet, the recovery of air travel has not been smooth sailing for all airlines. Air Canada and British Airways have extended their cancellations into autumn, while Delta has suspended its Tel Aviv flights until the end of August.
Some European carriers, such as Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and LOT Polish Airlines, resumed flights on 1 August, joining the gradual return of airlines like United Airlines, which returned at the end of July with up to two daily flights. Wizz Air resumed flights on 8 August, initially serving Budapest and Larnaca, before expanding to other destinations. Ryanair and easyJet have postponed their return until 25 October.
Trade unions in Belgium may refuse to handle baggage from flights to and from Tel Aviv, adding to the complexities faced by the airport. Authorities have urged travellers to arrive three hours before their scheduled departure time, warning of long queues during peak hours, particularly before U.S.-bound flights at around 3 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. To help navigate these congestion levels, a dedicated website now offers real-time congestion level forecasts at the airport, ranked from 'none' to 'record'.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the total expected for August 2023 is expected to reach 2.1 million, which is below pre-war peaks. Israeli airlines, including El Al, Israir, and Arkia, are handling most bookings and are working diligently to cover the demand. Brussels Airlines restarted on 13 August with just two weekly flights, and Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and LOT Polish Airlines resumed flights on 1 August.
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of conflict and the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, Ben Gurion Airport stands as a testament to resilience and determination, serving as a gateway for travellers seeking to connect with the world beyond its borders.
