August is expected to be one of the busiest months recorded in recent years at Ben-Gurion Airport. According to estimates by the Airports Authority, approximately 2.6 million arriving and departing passengers will pass through Ben-Gurion Airport during the month, with 47 airlines operating at the airport during this period, including all Israeli carriers.
The Airports Authority estimates that on weekdays during the month, between 90,000 and 95,000 passengers will pass through Ben-Gurion Airport daily, while on five dates the heavy volume is expected to reach about 100,000 passengers per 24-hour period. The busiest days are expected to be August 6, 13, 17, 20, and 27.
The most popular destinations among Israelis during August are Greece, Cyprus, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Germany. These figures reflect strong demand for summer vacations, alongside business travel and family visits.
In light of the expected congestion, the Airports Authority recommends arriving at the airport approximately three hours before departure time, checking-in in advance whenever possible, and staying updated on their departure terminal and flight time. In addition, it is recommended to use the self-service kiosks to tag and drop off luggage, and passengers traveling with hand luggage only who have checked in in advance can use Area W, which helps speed up the departure process.
The Airports Authority also recommends prioritizing arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport via public transportation. Meanwhile, reservists are requested to check their bags prior to arriving at the airport to ensure no magazines, ammunition, or military equipment remain in them, which could cause delays during security screening.
The authority further noted that localized congestion and longer-than-usual wait times may occur at certain hours during the summer period, and asked passengers to show patience. According to the authority, all Airports Authority employees are operating under expanded staffing levels to maintain operational continuity, flight safety, and service to the traveling public.
