Israel's primary international gateway near Tel Aviv.
Opened
1936
Location
Tel Aviv, Israel
Ben Gurion International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Israel, handling the vast majority of the country's international air traffic. Located near the city of Lod, approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Tel Aviv, it serves as the principal hub for El Al Israel Airlines and several other carriers.
The airport underwent major modernization with the opening of Terminal 3 in 2004, significantly expanding capacity and improving passenger experience. It consistently ranks among the more security-intensive airports in the world, reflecting Israel's heightened aviation security protocols.
Ben Gurion handles tens of millions of passengers annually and connects Israel to destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. It plays a critical role in Israel's economy, tourism, and diplomatic connectivity.
Terminals
The airport operates primarily through Terminal 3 for international flights and Terminal 1 for low-cost and some regional carriers.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem via the high-speed Tel Aviv–Jerusalem railway and the Airport City train station, supplemented by bus and taxi services.
Airlines here
El Al Israel Airlines is the primary hub carrier, with significant operations by Arkia, Israir, and numerous international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Delta.
Notable facts
- ›Named after David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister.
- ›Terminal 3, opened in 2004, was designed by Moshe Safdie.
- ›The airport is renowned for its multi-layered security screening process.
- ›Originally opened as Lydda Airport during the British Mandate period in 1936.
- ›Handles over 20 million passengers in peak pre-pandemic years.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
