1.2M Passengers to Pass Through Ben Gurion Airport in April

By Aryeh Stern

Over 1.2 million travelers are projected to travel through Ben Gurion Airport in April, as estimated by the Transportation Ministry. During the peak days, ahead of Pesach, around 60,000 passengers are anticipated to pass through the airport daily on international flights.

The busiest travel day to and from Israel is forecasted to be April 21, the day before Pesach. Despite a 33% rise in traveler numbers compared to March, passenger volume during this Pesach season is still expected to be approximately 40% lower than the corresponding period last year.

Greece and Cyprus emerge as the primary destinations for Pesach, with roughly 60 aircraft departures and arrivals per day, totaling around 1,840 flights throughout April. Other prominent destinations include the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and Italy.

Throughout April, airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, KLM, and Air Canada are anticipated to resume services to Israel. To accommodate the surge in travelers, the Airports Authority has bolstered its workforce and advises passengers to check in online and arrive at the airport three hours before their flight.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev noted the ministry’s efforts to boost passenger traffic and reintegrate international airlines amid ongoing regional conflicts. The goal is to enhance flight options and destinations, fostering competition to drive down ticket prices.

Additionally, the recent taxi reform at the airport, implemented last month with Gett winning the tender, aimed to streamline taxi services. However, challenges persist as long queues and insufficient taxis persist, partly due to taxi drivers’ reluctance to sign restrictive contracts imposed by Gett. These contracts raise concerns regarding drivers’ rights and privacy, prompting some to opt out of airport operations altogether.