Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 1 is set to reopen for operations on the night between Motzoei Shabbos and Sunday, August 3, following a sharp rise in passenger volume and the return of foreign airlines to Israel. The first departure from the terminal is scheduled for Sunday morning at 5:15 a.m.
Terminal 1, which primarily services low-cost carriers and domestic flights to Eilat, was shut down during the Iron Swords War when a significant drop in air traffic led many international airlines to suspend flights to Israel.
Now, with global carriers such as Lufthansa slated to resume operations as early as August 1—and additional airlines expected to follow—Terminal 1 will once again be operational, helping to alleviate congestion at Terminal 3.
Initially, all domestic flights to Eilat will return to Terminal 1, along with selected international routes. Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir will operate from the terminal starting from the reopening date. Wizz Air is also expected to resume flights from Terminal 1 shortly thereafter, with more airlines projected to join in September.
According to the Israel Airports Authority, the terminal is expected to handle approximately 800 flights and 140,000 passengers during the month of August alone. With the resumption of service, duty-free shops will reopen—including a newly added toy store—alongside cafés and restaurants, some of which have undergone recent renovations and upgrades.
In light of the anticipated increase in passenger numbers, the Authority recommends completing online check-in in advance and securing a boarding pass ahead of arrival. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport no earlier than three hours before departure and to confirm their departure terminal and floor level in advance.
Passengers traveling with carry-on luggage only and who have pre-registered online can proceed directly to Zone W at either Terminal 1 or 3, bypassing the standard check-in counters. Security and reserve military personnel are reminded to ensure they are not carrying weapons or ammunition in their bags.
Long-term parking facilities with complimentary shuttle service are available to transport passengers to all terminals.
{Matzav.com Israel}
