Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Tel Aviv, Israel Ben Gurion Airport Prepares for High Holiday Rush with One Hundred Thousand Departures: Here’s What You Need To Know

Published on
September 14, 2025

Ben Gurion Airport, in Tel Aviv, braces for what officials predict will be the busiest day of the Jewish holiday season, welcoming around one hundred thousand travellers on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The single surge is embedded within a much larger holiday movement, with 2.1 million departures and arrivals already forecast for the entire Tishrei period. Three dates are flagged as the peak travel windows, September 18, September 25, and September 28, while families and pilgrimage parties fan out toward Europe, the United States, and the broader Middle East.

In preparation for the surge, Ben Gurion Airport and the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) are implementing various operational changes to handle the increased passenger flow. The busiest day, September 18, will see approximately 570 international flights, serving a wide range of passengers heading to top destinations like Greece, Cyprus, the US, Italy, and the UAE.

Holiday Rush Causes Traffic Spike at Ben Gurion Airport

The holiday season marks a significant period for Israeli air travel, with a major influx of both holidaymakers and those travelling for the Jewish High Holidays. With many choosing to visit Uman, Ukraine, for the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage, the airport anticipates an additional surge in charter flights beginning September 17 and continuing until September 21.

As Ben Gurion Airport handles the expected flood of passengers, the IAA has made key updates to improve the experience, including the opening of new facilities and additional check-in counters. For instance, Terminal 3 has introduced Area G on the ground floor, featuring 26 new check-in counters, and an Assisted Travel Zone on the third floor, designed for travelers who require assistance. This will help ensure smoother and quicker transitions through security.

Travel Tips to Navigate Ben Gurion Airport During the Holiday Season

To avoid delays, passengers traveling through Ben Gurion Airport during the peak season are urged to follow several key travel tips provided by the IAA. Online check-in is highly recommended, allowing travellers to complete most of the process before arriving at the airport. Additionally, using the self-service kiosks to print baggage tags can help expedite the check-in process.

For those traveling with only carry-on luggage, the express lane at Sector W in Terminals 1 and 3 provides an expedited path through security. Passengers are also encouraged to arrive earlier than usual, as security checks will be more time-consuming due to the influx of travelers.

In addition, Israeli reservists and security forces members are reminded to avoid inadvertently carrying weapons or ammunition in their luggage, ensuring a smoother experience at security checks.

Operational Reinforcements at Ben Gurion Airport

To cope with the expected 2.3 million passengers across Israel’s airports during the holiday period, the Israel Airports Authority has bolstered its staffing levels. At Ben Gurion, extra customer-service staff will be available to assist with rebooking and flight inquiries. Security measures have been stepped up, with additional personnel deployed to handle the increased demand.

Ramon Airport in Eilat and Haifa Airport have also made adjustments to improve their security and check-in processes, including the addition of a second CT scanner at Haifa Airport to help speed up security checks.

Expect Busy Days Ahead at Ben Gurion Airport

As Ben Gurion Airport braces for its busiest travel days, passengers are strongly advised to prepare in advance for longer wait times. With over 2.1 million travelers expected to pass through the airport during the holiday season, planning ahead will be crucial for a smooth journey. Travellers should be sure to check flight details, complete online check-in, and allow extra time for security checks. By following these recommendations, passengers can minimize disruptions and navigate through the crowds more efficiently.

As Ben Gurion Airport strengthens its position as a central Middle Eastern corridor, its holiday season ramp-up embodies a wider pledge to upgrade passenger flow, marrying rigorous safety with streamlined operations when the crowds peak.