Ben Gurion Airport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ben Gurion International Airport נמל התעופה בן גוריון‎
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 Sundor
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 Concrete 08/26 4,062 13,327 Asphalt Concrete 12/30 3,112 10,210 Asphalt Concrete
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 the main international airport in Israel. It is often called Natbag for short. The airport is located near the cities of Lod and Or Yehuda. It is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Jerusalem and 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv.

The airport was known as Lod Airport until 1973. It was then renamed to honor David Ben-Gurion, who was Israel's first prime minister. Ben Gurion Airport is a main base for airlines like El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Sundor. The Israel Airports Authority manages the airport.

In 2023, over 21 million passengers used Ben Gurion Airport. This makes it one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. It is also known for its high level of security. Even though there have been some attacks, no plane leaving Ben Gurion Airport has ever been successfully hijacked.

The airport is very important for Israel. It is one of the main ways for travelers to enter the country. Because it was Israel's only international airport for a long time, Ramon Airport was opened in 2019 to help with air travel.

Airport History

Early Years (1934–1948)

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

A statue of David Ben-Gurion at the airport, which is named after him.

The airport started in 1934 during the time when Britain governed Palestine. It was a small airstrip with two unpaved runways near the town of Lydda (now Lod). The first passenger flights began in 1935, connecting Lydda to places like Cairo and Nicosia.

By 1937, the airport had four concrete runways. Airlines from Europe, like KLM and Imperial Airways, started using Lydda as a stop for their long flights. During World War II, the airport became a major hub for military planes. In 1946, the first flight from New York City to Lydda Airport took place. The British handed over the airport in April 1948.

Israel's First Decades (1948–1973)

Children from Morocco arriving at the airport in 1949.

Israeli soldiers took control of the airport in July 1948. It was then given to the new country of Israel. The airport's name changed to "Tel Aviv-Lod International Airport." Flights started again in November 1948. About 40,000 passengers used the airport that year. By 1952, this number grew to 100,000 passengers each month.

As more people flew, local flights were moved to another airport in Tel Aviv, called Sde Dov Airport. By the mid-1960s, 14 international airlines were flying to the airport. In 1973, the airport was renamed Ben Gurion International Airport to honor Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, who passed away that year.

Important Security Events (1972)

Ben Gurion Airport has very strong security. This has helped make sure that no plane leaving the airport has ever been hijacked. However, planes hijacked from other countries have landed there, leading to two important events in 1972.

On May 8, 1972, four terrorists took over a Sabena flight and made it land at Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli commandos quickly took back the plane. Two of the hijackers were killed, and the other two were captured. Sadly, one passenger also died.

Later that month, on May 30, 1972, an attack happened in the passenger arrival area. Three members of the Japanese Red Army shot into the crowd. This event, known as the Lod Airport massacre, resulted in 24 people losing their lives and 80 being injured. One of the victims was a famous scientist named Aharon Katzir.

Since the 1980s

Over the years, more buildings and runways were added to the airport. In the 1980s and 90s, many people moved to Israel from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union. This, along with more international business travel, meant the airport needed to grow.

A new, modern terminal, called Terminal 3, was planned. It was designed to handle many more travelers, especially for the year 2000 celebrations. Terminal 3 finally opened on November 2, 2004.

During the 2014 conflict with Gaza, some airlines stopped flying to the airport for a few days. In October 2023, when the Gaza war started, the number of airlines flying to Ben Gurion Airport dropped a lot. By February 2024, only 45 airlines were flying there.

On May 4, 2025, a missile launched from Yemen landed near an access road within the airport area. Six people were injured, and two others were treated for anxiety. Flights at the airport were delayed for half an hour after this event.

Ramon Airport, located near the city of Eilat in southern Israel, can be used as an alternative airport if Ben Gurion Airport needs to close.

Passenger Terminals

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 and then go upstairs for passport control, duty-free shops, and boarding gates. Buses would then take them to their planes on the tarmac.

After Terminal 3 opened in 2004, Terminal 1 was mostly closed. It was only used for domestic flights to Eilat and special government flights, like those bringing new immigrants to Israel. The building was also used for large events and art shows.

Terminal 1 was renovated and reopened in 2007 for domestic flights. In 2008, it started handling some international charter and low-cost flights during the summer. The design of the renovated terminal used colors and themes inspired by Israel's landscapes.

Private jets parked at Terminal 1.

In 2006, the Israel Airports Authority planned to add a new VIP area in Terminal 1. This area would be for private jet passengers and crews who wanted to avoid the main terminal. It would have its own security, passport control, 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 bussed passengers to Terminal 3 for boarding.

Terminal 1 was closed for renovations between 2003 and 2007. It reopened as the domestic terminal. In July 2008, it also started handling some international low-cost flights.

Since 2010, several low-cost airlines have used Terminal 1 year-round for international flights. In 2015, Terminal 1 was expanded again. The Israel Airports Authority made it available for all low-cost airlines under certain rules. Flights from Terminal 1 have lower airport fees than those from Terminal 3.

Terminal 3

An aerial view of Terminal 3.

The arrivals hall in Terminal 3.

Terminal 3 opened on October 28, 2004. It became the main international terminal for Israel. The first flight from this new terminal was an El Al flight to New York City.

The project to build Terminal 3 was called Natbag 2000. It was supposed to be finished by the year 2000. However, it cost more than expected and faced delays. The project ended up costing about one billion US dollars.

Terminal 3 is designed like many large airports in Europe and North America. It has multiple levels and moving walkways to help passengers get around. The departures hall is very large, with 110 check-in counters. There is also a shopping area called Buy & Bye, which is open to both travelers and the public.

After security, passengers wait in a star-shaped area with duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants. Terminal 3 has 40 gates, divided into four sections (B, C, D, and E). Most gates have jet bridges that connect directly to the plane. Concourse E was finished in 2018. There is also space to build another section (Concourse A) in the future.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminal 3. The terminal also has business lounges for frequent flyers. In 2007, plans were announced for a 120-bed hotel near Terminal 3. The airport was designed to handle up to 12 million passengers a year. In 2023, it handled 25 million passengers.

Other Terminals

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 opened in 1969 and was used for domestic flights. These flights moved to the renovated Terminal 1 in 2007. Terminal 2 was later taken down to make space for more cargo areas.

Terminal 4

Terminal 4 was built in 1999 for the large crowds expected in the year 2000. However, it never officially opened for regular flights. It has only been used for special events, like handling passengers from Asia during the SARS outbreak. It was also used for memorial ceremonies, such as the arrival of the casket of astronaut Ilan Ramon in 2003.

Airport Development Plans

In December 2017, the Israel Airports Authority announced a big plan to expand Ben Gurion Airport. This plan is expected to cost about 9 billion Israeli New Shekels. It includes making Terminal 1 bigger and building a new terminal just for domestic flights.

Terminal 3's main area will also be expanded, adding about 90 more check-in counters. A new Concourse A will be built, along with more parking spots for planes. Air cargo facilities will be moved to a new area in the northern part of the airport.

To help with crowded areas in Terminal 3, a large, air-conditioned tent was set up in 2018. This tent had 25 check-in counters and security screening. It was used for COVID-19 testing for arriving passengers between 2020 and 2022.

In 2018, plans were made to build a new terminal specifically for private and executive planes. In late 2021, construction began on a new road interchange. This new road will make it easier and faster to get to the airport's main terminal from Tel Aviv and other areas.

Airport Buildings

The airport has an "Airport City" area nearby with many office buildings. The main offices for El Al airline and the Israel Airports Authority are located at Ben Gurion Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority (Israel) and Israel Aerospace Industries also have offices and facilities here.

Runways

The layout of runways and taxiways from the 1970s to the mid-2010s.

Ben Gurion Airport has three main runways for planes to take off and land.

Main Runway

Runway 12/30 is the closest to Terminals 1 and 3. It is 3,112 meters (10,210 feet) long. Most planes land on this runway, coming from over the Mediterranean Sea. In 2007, this runway was updated to handle very large planes. A new landing system was added in 2008. This runway was closed for renovations from 2011 to 2014.

Short Runway

The short runway, 03/21, was originally 1,780 meters (5,840 feet) long. It was too short for most passenger planes. It was mainly used by cargo planes and as a taxiway. In 2011, this runway was closed. It was rebuilt and made longer to 2,772 meters (9,094 feet) by May 2014. Now, it can handle most types of aircraft.

Quiet Runway

The longest runway at the airport is 08/26, which is 4,062 meters (13,327 feet) long. This is the main runway for planes taking off. It is called "the quiet runway" because planes taking off in this direction create less noise for people living nearby. This runway was also updated in 2006 to handle very large planes like the Airbus A380.

Runway History and Changes

The airport's original layout from the 1930s had four shorter runways. Over the years, as planes became bigger and traffic increased, 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 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 began in 2010 and finished in May 2014. This project cost 1 billion Israeli New Shekels. It involved paving 22 kilometers (14 miles) of runways and taxiways. This change allows the airport to handle more planes at busy times and improves safety. New taxiways also help planes move faster around the airport.

Security Procedures

How Security Works

Security at Ben Gurion International Airport has many layers to keep everyone safe.

Before entering the airport, all cars, taxis, and buses go through a first security check. Guards look into vehicles and talk to 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 asked more questions.

Inside the airport, both uniformed and plainclothes security officers are always patrolling. Before checking in, passengers are questioned by security agents. This interview can be short or longer if more checks are needed. Sometimes, luggage and body searches are done.

Since April 2014, checked bags are screened after they are checked in by the airline. This is similar to how most airports around the world do it. Before boarding, passports and boarding passes are checked again.

Baggage Screening

After you check in your bags, they go through special X-ray and CT scanners. They are also put into a pressure chamber. This is to make sure any hidden explosive devices that react to air pressure are found.

After checking in, passengers go through personal security and passport control. Before walking through metal detectors and putting carry-on bags through X-ray machines, passports and boarding passes are checked again, and more questions might be asked.

Security for planes arriving at the airport is not as strict. However, passengers might be questioned by passport control, especially if they have recently visited certain countries.

Airlines and Destinations

Passenger Flights

Many airlines fly to and from Ben Gurion Airport. However, since October 7, 2023, due to the Israel-Hamas War, many airlines have stopped or delayed their flights. Some airports have even removed Tel Aviv from their list of destinations.

Cargo Flights

Airport Statistics

Here are some numbers showing how busy Ben Gurion Airport has been over the years. Flights that used to go to Sde Dov Airport (which closed in July 2019) now come to Ben Gurion.

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%
2024	13,879,490	034.2%	102,186	29.5%

Ground Transportation

The airport is located near Highway 1, which is the main road between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It is also close to Highway 40. You can get to the airport by car or public bus. Israel Railways offers train service from the airport to many parts of the country. Taxis are also available outside the arrivals building. A popular option is a shared taxi van, called a monit sherut, which goes to Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba.

Public Transport Options

Israel has a payment system called Rav-Kav that works for trains, buses, and light rail. You can use one card for different types of transport. There is a public transport information office in Terminal 3 where you can get a Rav-Kav card. Most public transport (except taxis) does not run on the Sabbath (from Friday evening to Saturday evening) or on some Jewish holidays.

A new app payment system was started in December 2020. Apps like Cello, Moovit, Pango, and Rav-Pass can be used for payment.

Train Service

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 travel northwest to Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other northern cities. You can also go southeast to Modi'in and Jerusalem. The train ride to Tel Aviv takes about 18 minutes, and to Jerusalem it takes about 25 minutes. There is also late-night and early-morning train service to Beersheba Center through Lod and Ashkelon. In 2009, almost 3.3 million passengers used the train to and from the airport. The train runs day and night on weekdays, but not on the Sabbath or Jewish holidays.

Bus and Taxi Services

The airport has regular inter-city bus lines, private shuttle services, shared taxi vans (Sherut), and regular taxis. The Afikim bus company offers direct service to Jerusalem 24 hours a day with line 485. This bus leaves from Terminal 3 and stops at Terminal 1.

Egged bus number 5 takes passengers between the terminals and a small bus station in the nearby Airport City business park. From there, you can connect to other Egged bus routes. Passengers can pay for both rides with one ticket. Other bus companies also serve Terminal 3 directly. The airport also provides a free shuttle bus between its terminals. On the Sabbath, when trains don't run, a shared shuttle service is available between the airport and Tel Aviv hotels.

Car Access

Ben Gurion Airport is located on Highway 1, the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The airport has about 20,000 parking spaces for short and long-term parking. The long-term parking areas are a few kilometers from the terminal, and a free shuttle bus takes passengers there. Car rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz are available at the airport.

Service Quality

Passenger Feedback

In December 2006, Ben Gurion International Airport was ranked first among 40 European airports. It was also ranked 8th out of 77 airports worldwide in a survey about customer-friendly airports. The survey asked passengers about their satisfaction with services, facilities, and infrastructure. Ben Gurion Airport received a high rating. It also kept its title as the best Middle Eastern airport in surveys from 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Awards Received

See also

In Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional Ben Gurión para niños

• Transportation in Israel
• Ramon Airport
• Haifa Airport