Ben Gurion Airport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ben Gurion International Airport נמל התעופה בן-גוריון‎ مطار بن غوريون الدولي‎
IATA: TLV ICAO: LLBG
Summary
Airport type	Public
Owner	Ministry of Transport and Road Safety
Operator	Israel Airports Authority
Serves	Gush Dan and Greater Jerusalem
Location	Central District, Israel
Hub for	Arkia CAL Cargo Airlines El Al Israir Airlines Sun d'Or
Focus city for	Bluebird Airways
Elevation AMSL	135 ft / 41 m
Coordinates	32°00′34″N 034°52′58″E / 32.00944°N 34.88278°E / 32.00944; 34.88278
Website	iaa.gov.il
Map
TLV Location in Israel Show map of Israel TLV Location in Middle East Show map of Middle East
Runway
Runway Length Surface m ft 03/21 2,772 9,094 Asphalt 08/26 4,062 13,327 Asphalt 12/30 3,112 10,210 Asphalt
Statistics (2023)
Total passengers 21,882,716 International passengers 21,088,237 Domestic passengers 794,479 Aircraft movements 152,411
Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Israel

Ben Gurion International Airport is Israel's main international airport. It's often called Natbag, which is a Hebrew nickname. The airport is located near the city of Lod, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Jerusalem and 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv.

Before 1973, it was known as Lod Airport. It was renamed to honor David Ben-Gurion, who was Israel's first prime minister. Ben Gurion Airport is a major hub for airlines like El Al, Israir Airlines, Arkia, and Sun d'Or. The Israel Airports Authority manages it.

In 2019, over 24.8 million passengers traveled through Ben Gurion Airport. It's known as one of the best airports in the Middle East because of its great passenger experience and very strong security. Even though there have been some attacks targeting the airport, no plane taking off from Ben Gurion Airport has ever been hijacked. This airport is super important for Israel because it's one of the main ways people can enter the country.

History of the Airport

Early Days (1934–1973)

Lod Airport in 1958. This building is now Terminal 1.

A sculpture of David Ben-Gurion, who the airport is named after.

The airport started in 1934 during the time when Britain governed Palestine. It was just a small airstrip with two unpaved runways near the town of Lydda (now Lod). The first passenger flight was in 1935, connecting Cairo, Lydda, and Nicosia. Soon, other airlines like LOT Polish Airlines and KLM started flying there. By 1937, the airport had four concrete runways.

During World War II, the airport was used for military flights. It was renamed "RAF Station Lydda" in 1943. After the war, in 1946, the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, from New York City, landed here. The British handed over the airport in April 1948.

On July 10, 1948, soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces took control of the airport. It was then given to the new country of Israel. In 1948, its name changed from Lydda to Lod Airport. Flights started again in November 1948. By 1952, about 100,000 passengers used the airport each month! Because it got so busy, local flights were moved to another airport in Tel Aviv.

In 1973, the airport was renamed Ben Gurion International Airport to honor David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister, who passed away that year.

Security Incidents (1972)

Ben Gurion Airport has always had very strict security. This is why no aircraft leaving Ben Gurion Airport has ever been hijacked. However, planes hijacked from other countries have landed here, leading to two important events in the airport's history.

On May 8, 1972, four terrorists hijacked a plane from Vienna and forced it to land at Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli commandos quickly took control of the plane, ending the hijacking.

Later that month, on May 30, 1972, three members of a group called the Japanese Red Army attacked the passenger arrival area. They shot into the crowd, sadly killing 24 people and injuring 80.

Since the 1980s

Over the years, more buildings and runways were added. In the 1980s and 90s, many people moved to Israel from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union. This, along with more international business travel, made the airport very crowded. So, a new, modern terminal, called Terminal 3, was planned. It opened on November 2, 2004.

In July 2014, during a conflict, some airlines temporarily stopped their flights to the airport for a few days.

The longest nonstop flight from the airport happened on January 2, 2017. A private jet flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, over the Arctic Ocean. It was planned to take 17 hours and 40 minutes!

Ramon Airport, which is an international airport near Eilat in southern Israel, can be used as a backup airport if Ben Gurion Airport needs to close for any reason.

Passenger Terminals

Ben Gurion Airport has two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1, now used for all domestic flights and some international low-cost flights.

History of Terminal 1

Before Terminal 3 opened, Terminal 1 was the main building for all flights at Ben Gurion Airport. Passengers would check in on the ground floor, then go upstairs for passport control, duty-free shops, and boarding gates. After boarding, shuttle buses would take them to their planes on the tarmac.

When Terminal 3 opened in 2004, Terminal 1 was closed for a while. It was then reopened in 2007 for domestic flights (flights within Israel) and special flights, like those bringing new immigrants to Israel.

The building was renovated with special designs. The public areas have a "Land-of-Israel" feel, with walls painted in colors inspired by Israel's mountains. The departure hall feels like a vacation spot, and the arrivals hall has a city theme.

Private jets parked at Terminal 1.

In 2006, the Israel Airports Authority planned a new VIP (Very Important Person) area in Terminal 1 for private jet passengers. This area would have its own security, passport control, and customs, along with fancy lounges and meeting rooms.

International Low-Cost and Domestic Terminal

An easyJet Switzerland plane at Terminal 3. Some low-cost international flights used Terminal 1 for check-in and then passengers were bussed to Terminal 3 for boarding.

Terminal 1 was renovated again and reopened in 2007 for domestic flights. In 2008, it also started handling some international charter and low-cost flights, especially during the summer. By 2010, some low-cost airlines like Vueling and easyJet were using Terminal 1 year-round for international flights.

In 2015, Terminal 1 was expanded again to handle even more low-cost international flights. Airlines using Terminal 1 pay lower airport fees. Until 2017, passengers on these flights would check in and go through security at Terminal 1, then be bussed to Terminal 3 to board their planes. But since June 2017, after more renovations, passengers now board their flights directly from Terminal 1. However, arriving passengers from these flights are still handled in Terminal 3.

There's a free shuttle bus that runs between Terminal 3, the railway station, and Terminal 1 every 15 to 30 minutes.

Terminal 3

An aerial view of Terminal 3.

The Arrivals Hall in Terminal 3.

Terminal 3 opened on October 28, 2004, and became the main international gateway for Israel. It was designed by famous architects. The first flight from Terminal 3 was an El Al flight to New York City.

The project to build Terminal 3 was called Natbag 2000. It was supposed to be ready by the year 2000 for the many visitors expected for the Millennium celebrations, but it took longer and cost about one billion US dollars.

Terminal 3 is designed like many modern airports in Europe and North America, with multiple levels and moving walkways to help passengers get around. The departures hall is huge, with 110 check-in counters. There's also a small shopping mall called Buy & Bye that's open to everyone, not just travelers. After checking in, passengers go through passport control and security. You can watch planes take off and land from a cool tilted glass wall. The arrivals hall is on the ground floor. Terminal 3 also has two synagogues (places of worship).

The duty-free shopping area in Terminal 3 departures.

After the main security check, passengers wait in a star-shaped area with duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants that are open 24 hours a day. There's also a synagogue, banks, and a desk for tax refunds.

Terminal 3 has 40 gates, divided into four sections (B, C, D, and E). Each section has gates with jet bridges, which are those walkways that connect the terminal directly to the plane. Section E was finished in 2018. There's even space to build another section (A) in the future.

You can find free wireless internet throughout the terminal. There are also three business lounges for frequent flyers or those who pay for access.

In 2007, plans were announced for a 120-bed hotel near Terminal 3. In 2023, about 25 million passengers were expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport.

Former Terminals

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 opened in 1969 and was used for domestic flights. It was closed in 2007 when domestic flights moved to Terminal 1. Terminal 2 was later taken down to make space for more cargo handling areas.

Terminal 4

This terminal was built in 1999 but never officially opened for regular flights. It was only used for special situations, like handling passengers arriving from Asia during the SARS epidemic. It was also used for memorial ceremonies.

Airport Development Plans

In 2017, the Israel Airports Authority announced a big plan to expand Ben Gurion Airport, costing about 9 billion Israeli New Shekels. This plan includes making Terminal 1 even bigger, building a new terminal just for domestic flights, and greatly expanding Terminal 3. They also plan to move the cargo facilities to a new area and build more aircraft parking spots.

To help with crowding at Terminal 3, a large, temporary tent with check-in counters and security screening was set up in 2018. This tent was also used for COVID-19 testing between 2020 and 2022.

In 2018, plans were made for a new terminal specifically for private and executive aircraft. Also, a new road interchange was built near the airport, making it easier and faster to get to the main terminal from Tel Aviv. This was completed in 2023.

Airport Buildings

The airport area also includes "Airport City," a large office park. This is where the main offices for El Al and the Israel Airports Authority are located. The Civil Aviation Authority and Israel Aerospace Industries also have offices and facilities nearby.

Runways

An airport's runways are the long, flat areas where planes take off and land. Ben Gurion Airport has three main runways.

Main Runway (12/30)

This runway is 3,112 meters (10,210 feet) long and is the closest to Terminals 1 and 3. Most planes land on this runway, approaching from the Mediterranean Sea over southern Tel Aviv. It was renovated in 2007 to handle very large aircraft. A new landing system was added in 2008.

Short Runway (03/21)

This runway was originally 1,780 meters (5,840 feet) long, which was too short for most large passenger jets. It was mainly used by military cargo planes. In 2011, this runway was closed for rebuilding. It reopened in May 2014 after being lengthened to 2,772 meters (9,094 feet). Now, it can handle most types of aircraft and is mostly used for landings.

Quiet Runway (08/26)

This is the longest runway at the airport, at 4,062 meters (13,327 feet). It's called the "quiet runway" because planes taking off in this direction create less noise for people living nearby. It was also renovated in 2006 to handle very large aircraft like the Airbus A380.

Runway History and Development

The airport originally had four intersecting runways built by the British in the 1930s. Over the years, as planes got bigger and busier, the runways were changed and new ones were built.

For about 40 years, the airport mainly used runways 12/30 and 08/26. However, these two runways cross each other, which can slow down air traffic and create safety concerns. To fix this, plans were made in the 1980s and 90s to extend runways 03/21 and 08/26. Construction started in 2010 and finished in May 2014. This project cost 1 billion Israeli New Shekels. It included paving 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) of runways and taxiways and adding many new lights and power lines. These changes allow the airport to handle more planes at peak times and improve safety.

2023 Conflict with Gaza

During the conflict in 2023, the airport had to restrict how planes used the runways to avoid flying over the conflict zone. Runway 08/26 was only used for departing flights, and 03/21 was only for arriving flights.

Security Procedures

Security at Ben Gurion Airport is very strong and works in several steps.

Overview

Before entering the airport, all vehicles go through a security checkpoint. Guards check cars, taxis, and buses, and might talk to the drivers and passengers. Armed security staff are also at the terminal entrances, watching people as they come in. If someone seems suspicious, they might be questioned. There are also plainclothes security officers and hidden cameras everywhere.

Before you even get to the check-in desk, security agents will ask you questions about your trip. This interview can be very short or longer if they need to ask more questions. Sometimes, they might also search your luggage or do a body search.

Since 2014, checked bags are screened after you check them in with the airline, similar to most airports worldwide. Before that, bags were screened before check-in.

Baggage Screening

After you check in your luggage, it goes through advanced X-ray and CT scanners. It's also put into a special pressure chamber to check for any explosive devices that might react to changes in air pressure.

After checking your bags, you go through personal security and passport control. Before walking through the metal detectors and putting your carry-on bags through X-ray machines, your passport and boarding pass are checked again, and you might be asked more questions. Just before boarding the plane, your passport and boarding pass are checked one last time.

For flights arriving in Israel, the security checks are not as strict. However, passengers might be questioned by passport control, especially if they have recently visited certain countries.

Airlines and Destinations

Many airlines fly to and from Ben Gurion Airport, connecting Israel to cities all over the world.

Passenger Flights

The following airlines offer regular and seasonal flights from Ben Gurion Airport:

Cargo Flights

Cargo airlines carry goods and packages. Here are some that serve Ben Gurion Airport:

Statistics

Ben Gurion Airport is the busiest airport in Israel. Here's how many passengers and flights it handles:

Usage statistics for commercial operations

Year	Total passengers	Percentage change	Total operations	Percentage change
1999	08,916,436
2000	09,879,470	010.8%	080,187
2001	08,349,657	015.5%	069,226	13.7%
2002	07,308,977	012.5%	063,206	08.7%
2003	07,392,026	001.1%	061,202	03.2%
2004	08,051,895	008.9%	066,638	08.9%
2005	08,917,421	010.7%	070,139	05.3%
2006	09,221,558	003.4%	076,735	09.4%
2007	10,526,562	014.2%	084,568	10.3%
2008	11,550,433	009.7%	094,644	11.9%
2009	10,925,970	005.4%	089,442	05.5%
2010	12,160,339	011.3%	095,171	06.4%
2011	12,978,605	006.7%	099,527	04.6%
2012	13,133,992	001.2%	097,824	01.7%
2013	14,227,612	008.3%	104,850	07.2%
2014	14,925,369	004.9%	112,653	06.9%
2015	16,299,406	009.2%	118,861	05.5%
2016	17,936,810	010.0%	127,575	10.1%
2017	20,781,226	015.8%	142,938	12.9%
2018	22,949,676	010.8%	157,312	10.1%
2019	24,821,767	008.2%	167,886	06.7%
2020	04,457,439	080.6%	049,223	67.3%
2021	06,719,901	050.8%	075,321	53.0%
2022	20,008,532	197.8%	143,884	91.0%
2023	21,882,716	009.4%	152,411	05.9%

Busiest Routes and Countries (2023)

Busiest routes to and from TLV (2023)

Rank	Airport	Passengers	Annual change	Carriers
1	Dubai, United Arab Emirates	917,870	020.23%	Arkia, El Al, Emirates, flydubai, Israir
2	Istanbul, Turkey	865,985	010.09%	Turkish Airlines
3	Athens, Greece	788,920	031.75%	Aegean, Arkia, Bluebird Airways, El Al, Israir, Ryanair
4	Paris-Charles de Gaulle, France	774,386	01.49%	Air France, Arkia, easyJet, El Al
5	London–Heathrow, United Kingdom	688,755	018.46%	British Airways, El Al, Virgin Atlantic
6	Larnaca, Cyprus	676,208	054.64%	Arkia, Bluebird Airways, Cyprus Airways, El Al, Israir, Sun d'Or, Tus Airways
7	Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey	672,977	016.51%	AnadoluJet, Pegasus Airlines
8	Antalya, Turkey	662,054	02.93%	AnadoluJet, Corendon, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines
9	New York–JFK, United States	640,004	05.24%	American, Delta, El Al
10	Newark, United States	606,971	00.25%	El Al, United

Busiest countries served to and from TLV (2023)

Rank	Country	Passengers	Rate of total	Annual change
1	Turkey	2,305,977	10.93%	08.46%
2	United States	2,009,244	09.52%	04.73%
3	Greece	1,753,248	08.31%	19.03%
4	Italy	1,466,320	06.95%	12.81%
5	United Kingdom	1,214,291	05.75%	09.28%
6	France	1,198,962	05.68%	01.95%
7	United Arab Emirates	1,148,542	05.44%	17.30%
8	Germany	0999,904	04.74%	06.44%
9	Cyprus	0981,105	04.65%	45.75%
10	Spain	0883,249	04.18%	31.51%

Ground Transportation

Ben Gurion Airport is easy to reach by different types of transport. It's located near Highway 1, which connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Public Transport

Israel has a system called Rav-Kav for public transport. It lets you use one card for trains, buses, and light rail. You can get a Rav-Kav card and information at Terminal 3. Most public transport (except taxis) doesn't run on the Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening) or on Jewish holidays.

In 2020, new payment apps were introduced. These apps offer a different way to pay for public transport, and you pay at the end of the month.

Train

Platform 1 of the airport train station at Terminal 3.

The Ben Gurion Airport Railway Station is located on the lower level of Terminal 3. From here, you can take a train northwest to Tel Aviv and Haifa, or southeast to Modi'in and Jerusalem. A trip to Tel Aviv takes about 18 minutes, and to Jerusalem about 25 minutes. There are also late-night and early-morning trains to Beersheba. Almost 3.3 million passengers used the train to and from the airport in 2009. The train runs day and night, except on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Bus and Taxi

The airport has regular inter-city bus lines, private shuttle services, and "sherut" (shared) taxi vans. Sherut vans go to cities like Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba. Regular taxis are also available outside the arrivals building.

The Afikim bus company offers a direct bus service (line 485) to Jerusalem 24 hours a day. The Egged bus number 5 takes passengers between the terminals and a small bus station nearby, where you can connect to other Egged bus routes. There's also a free shuttle bus that runs between the airport terminals. On the Sabbath, when trains don't run, shared shuttle services are available between the airport and Tel Aviv hotels.

Car

The airport is on Highway 1. It has about 20,000 parking spaces for short and long-term parking. The long-term parking areas are a bit further away, but a free shuttle bus takes you to the terminal. You can also rent cars at the airport from several companies.

Service Quality and Awards

Passenger Rankings

Ben Gurion International Airport is highly rated by passengers. In December 2006, it was ranked first among 40 European airports and 8th out of 77 airports worldwide for being customer-friendly. It was also ranked second among airports handling 5 to 15 million passengers per year. Passengers were asked about their satisfaction with the service, facilities, and infrastructure. Ben Gurion Airport continued to be named the best Middle Eastern airport in surveys from 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Awards

Images for kids

• 

  Moroccan Jewish children arrive at the airport in 1949.

• 

  Runway and taxiway layout from the 1970s to mid-2010s.

See also

In Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional Ben Gurión para niños

• Transportation in Israel
• Ramon Airport
• Haifa Airport
• List of the busiest airports in the Middle East