By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated
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Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) handles virtually all international arrivals and departures to Israel. Understanding the layout, security process, and current lounge situation will make your journey significantly smoother — especially given a major change that took effect in January 2026.
August 2026 is Ben Gurion’s busiest period ever. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism expects approximately 2.6 million passengers this month, representing a 29% jump over the same period in 2025. The surge has cut on-time performance to around 33%, with an average departure delay of roughly 40 minutes across the month. Around five dates — approximately 6, 13, 17, 20 and 27 August — are each expected to handle close to 100,000 passengers.
If your flight falls in August, take these steps:
The airport is fully operational and well-staffed. The delays are a consequence of high demand, not any infrastructure issue. Patience and early arrival are your best tools.
Ben Gurion Airport closed for approximately 40 days — from 28 February to 9 April 2026 — during the Israel–Iran conflict known as Operation Roaring Lion. It has since fully recovered: as of July 2026, 47 airlines are operating at TLV and passenger capacity is up 29% compared to July 2025. A $311 million Terminal 3 expansion contract was awarded in July 2026, targeting growth from ~16 million annual passengers toward 40 million over the long term. Day-to-day operations are normal; travellers should not have concerns about airport functionality.
Ben Gurion has two active passenger terminals. Terminal 3 is the main international hub, opened in 2004 and expanded with a new west wing in 2024. It handles all major international airlines plus El Al domestic connections. Terminal 3 has three concourses (C, D, and E) accessible from a central departures hall, each with gates at both ends. Long-term expansion underway: In July 2026, the Israel Airports Authority awarded a contract of approximately $311 million for a major Terminal 3 capacity project, targeting growth from the current ~16 million passengers per year toward 40 million. The first major phase focuses on a dedicated eastern terminal wing: on 1 July 2026 the IAA issued an $83 million tender for a 50,000 m² eastern wing extension and a 20,000 m² underground facility, with a 30-month construction timeline. Neither this wing nor the broader expansion is open yet; the IAA has not confirmed a final completion date, so plan travel around TLV’s current fully operational infrastructure.
Terminal 1, to the north of the campus, was refurbished during the 2024–25 period and fully reopened for international service on 1 July 2026, adding capacity as traffic recovers. It handles domestic Israeli flights and a growing number of low-cost European carriers (including Wizz Air routes; note Ryanair has suspended all Israel flights — see the airlines flying to Israel 2026 status page for current carrier availability). If you are flying budget from a European city, confirm your terminal before arriving — the two are not adjacent and a free shuttle bus runs between them.
International flights land into Terminal 3 arrivals (Level 1). After landing, the process runs:
Arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight — 3.5 hours during August 2026 peak season.
Ben Gurion operates a distinctive two-stage security system. Before you reach the check-in desk, you pass through a security interview at the terminal entrance. An agent will ask where you are going, why you are visiting, where you stayed, and who you know in Israel. The interview is fast for most travellers — under five minutes — but can extend to 30–60 minutes for additional screening. See the FAQ below for the typical questions.
Have your hotel booking confirmation, your onward itinerary, and your passport ready. Inconsistent or vague answers are the main trigger for extended screening; a well-prepared, direct response makes the process quick.
After the interview, proceed to your airline’s check-in desk in the Terminal 3 departures hall. Standard international security follows: remove laptops and liquids, pass through the scanner. The process is thorough but efficient. Departure gates are in Concourses C, D, and E beyond security.
Priority Pass is no longer accepted at Ben Gurion Airport as of 1 January 2026. The Dan Lounge, which was the main Priority Pass lounge, closed permanently on 31 December 2025. Travellers planning to use Priority Pass access should be aware that the old arrangement no longer exists.
The current lounge options:
Aspire Lounge (Swissport) — located in Concourse E, this is now the primary independent lounge for non-El Al passengers. Access is via Elta credit cards, Max Platinum cards, and select Israeli bank premium cards. Lounge charges are also available; verify current access conditions directly with the operator before your trip, as the access program continues to evolve.
Jetex Executive Terminal — Concourse C. Primarily marketed to private aviation and premium business travellers. American Express Platinum cardholders may access this lounge; confirm eligibility with your card issuer before travel.
King David Lounge (El Al) — Terminal 3 Concourse D. Renovated and reopened in March 2025. Available to El Al business and first class passengers, El Al Matmid Platinum members, and LoungeKey cardholders. Solid food and drinks selection; quiet seating separate from the main departures floor.
The main duty-free is operated by James Richardson across a large footprint in the Terminal 3 departures hall airside. Genuine savings are found on:
There is also a James Richardson arrivals store before passport control, stocked with alcohol, tobacco, and confectionery. This is a convenient option if you want duty-free on the way in rather than carrying bottles through your trip.
VAT refund desk: Tourists who made qualifying city purchases (₪400+ per receipt at participating stores) can claim Israel’s 17% VAT back before departing. The Global Blue, Planet, and TaxFree Israel counters are in the Terminal 3 departures hall before the security checkpoint. Arrive 30 minutes earlier than usual if you have forms to process. See the Israel VAT refund guide for the full process.
For detailed route comparisons, Shabbat schedules, and prices to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Eilat, see the Ben Gurion Airport transfers guide and our transportation overview. If you have a few hours between flights, see the Tel Aviv layover guide for what’s reachable on 4, 6, 8 or 24 hours. Key options:
If you have an early-morning departure, a late-night arrival before a long drive, or need to avoid Shabbat transport disruption, hotels in the Airport City zone (5–10 minutes from Terminal 3 by free 24-hour shuttle) are the most practical option. The main properties — Leonardo Airport Hotel, Carlton Hotel Tel Aviv Airport (with pool), and Holiday Inn Express Tel Aviv Airport — all run complimentary around-the-clock shuttles. See the hotels near Ben Gurion Airport guide for a full comparison and decision matrix.
No. As of 1 January 2026, Priority Pass is no longer accepted at Ben Gurion Airport. The Dan Lounge closed permanently on 31 December 2025. The current lounge landscape is: Aspire Lounge (operated by Swissport, Concourse E, accessible via Elta/Max credit cards and select bank cards); Jetex Executive Terminal (Concourse C, accessible via American Express Platinum); and the King David Lounge (El Al, Terminal 3 Concourse D, renovated March 2025, available to El Al business class, LoungeKey, and select El Al loyalty cards). The lounge lineup evolves — verify the latest access conditions before your trip.
Arrive at least 3 hours before an international departure — and allow 3.5 hours if you are travelling during August 2026, when the airport is at record capacity. Security screening at Ben Gurion uses a two-stage process — the pre-check interview before check-in, followed by standard security before the gate — and the pre-check queue can be long during peak morning hours (07:00–10:00) and Jewish holiday periods. Budget extra time if you are a first-time visitor, a solo traveller, or have recent travel stamps from Arab countries, as these factors may trigger more thorough screening.
Ben Gurion security staff ask a standard set of questions: where are you going, who do you know in Israel, what is the purpose of your visit, where are you staying, who packed your bags, and have you accepted anything from a third party. The interview is routine — most take under five minutes. Having your hotel address, a contact in Israel if applicable, and a clear travel itinerary ready speeds things up. Stay calm, answer directly, and avoid vague or inconsistent answers. A thorough secondary screening (full bag search and possible body scan) can sometimes follow; budget an extra 30–60 minutes if you think this applies to you.
The main duty-free operator is James Richardson, with extensive shops in the Terminal 3 departure hall. Alcohol (wine, spirits) and cosmetics consistently offer genuine savings versus street prices. Electronics, on the other hand, carry minimal discounts and are rarely worth buying duty-free here. Pick up a bottle of Israeli wine or quality spirits airside — the selection of local wines is excellent. Don't forget you can also shop the arrivals duty-free store on the way in.
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminal 3 departure and arrivals halls. Connect to the airport network and accept the terms to get online. Connection quality is generally good in the main halls but can slow during busy periods. If you need reliable data throughout your trip, pick up an Israeli SIM or eSIM before landing — our eSIM guide covers the best options.
Train: the fastest and cheapest option — about 20 minutes to central Tel Aviv and 30 minutes to Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon station for a few dollars. Does not run on Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday night) or major Jewish holidays. Pre-booked private transfer: fixed price, driver meets you at arrivals, available any time including Shabbat. Taxi: metered via the Gett app rank at arrivals. Sherut (shared minibus): runs around the clock including Shabbat, cheap but slower. For full route comparisons, prices and Shabbat logistics, see the dedicated airport-transfers guide.
By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated