Air travel's future: Ben-Gurion Airport to introduce new self-service counters

Thr Israel Airport Authority announced it will install new self-service stations at an investment of NIS 2 million to help speed up the check-in process at the main Israeli hub.

 Travellers at the departure halls of Ben Gurion International Airport ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover. April 14, 2022.  (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)
Travellers at the departure halls of Ben Gurion International Airport ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover. April 14, 2022.
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

Ben-Gurion Airport will begin the next stage or its digital revolution next year with the introduction of self-service check-in desks, the Israel Airport Authority announced on Sunday.

An investment of NIS 2 million to fund the modernization should help to speed up the check-in process.

The new desks will allow outgoing passengers to weigh their own luggage and print and attach the tags for them. Once complete the cases will be sent on their way.

The departure hall of an almost empty Ben-Gurion Airport, January 25, 2021.  (credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)
The departure hall of an almost empty Ben-Gurion Airport, January 25, 2021. (credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)

“The main objective is to improve service for passengers – long term and short term.”

IAA CEO Hagi Topolansky

Expanding check-in for travelers at Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport

Such facilities have been in use at major airports in the United States and Europe for several years. 

Currently, only about 50% of Israeli travelers check in online before they arrive at the airport.

In the coming days, the airport also intends to expand its check-in screening area for travelers with only carry-on luggage to expedite their passage through the various stages before eventual boarding. 

“The main objective is to improve service for passengers – long term and short term,” said IAA CEO Hagi Topolansky.

Some 10 million passengers have used Ben-Gurion Airport since the beginning of the year and 2.3 million are expected to pass through by the end of August.

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