Are airlines canceling flights to Israel? You won’t believe how many will fly!

Despite the security situation, the Airports Authority predicts 1.7 million passengers, with 42,000 expected on Yom Kippur's eve. Popular destinations include Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and the Emirates.

  Ben Gurion Airport (photo credit: ARYEH LABE ABRAHMS, FLASH90)
Ben Gurion Airport
(photo credit: ARYEH LABE ABRAHMS, FLASH90)

Approximately 1.7 million passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport during the Tishrei holidays, according to data from the Airports Authority (IAA). The popular destinations during the holiday season are anticipated to be Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.

On the eve of Yom Kippur, around 42,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport. Air traffic will be halted at 2:00 PM and will resume on the evening of Yom Kippur at 10:35 PM.

Peak Period

The peak days during the holiday season are expected to be Tuesday, October 1, when approximately 76,000 passengers will pass through Ben Gurion Airport on international flights; Sunday, October 6, when around 77,000 passengers will pass through; Thursday, October 10, with about 75,000 passengers; and Sunday, October 13, when approximately 74,000 passengers are expected.

The Airports Authority has prepared in advance for the expected volume of passengers passing through Ben Gurion Airport during the holiday season by increasing the workforce at the airport, and there will be enhanced managerial presence in the terminals during the holidays. The authority operates kiosks for quick check-in and self-baggage drop, as well as special lanes for passengers with carry-on luggage only. The Airports Authority recommends that passengers check in from home, verify which terminal their flight departs from, and arrive at Ben Gurion Airport three hours before their flight.

The Transportation Minister and Road Safety, Brigadier General (Res.) Miri Regev: "Despite the challenges we face, the Transportation Ministry maintains full operational continuity in air transportation to and from Israel. I instructed the IAA to prepare for the increased passenger load during the holidays, as many citizens wish to take advantage of the Tishrei holidays to vacation and refresh themselves, and to ensure a full presence of authority staff and management at Ben Gurion Airport in order to prevent delays and provide optimal service to passengers."