One Billion Shekel
Upgrades and Expansions Approved for Ben-Gurion Airport
New additions to Terminal 3, increased facilities approved by Government; future plans include hotel
The approval has come through: the expansion of Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, Terminal 3, has entered the construction phase, with authorities green-lighting plans for a major new building, at a cost of about one billion shekels.
The new facility, dubbed “HBS,” is set to serve as an extension of Terminal 3’s eastern wing, aiming to handle rising passenger traffic and modernize the airport’s operational infrastructure. According to the plan approved by the national planning authorities, the expansion will include advanced baggage-handling systems, new check-in counters, passenger reception areas, and logistical zones for unloading luggage and goods.
Beyond mere operational upgrades, the project envisions a more ambitious use: the rooftop above the new structure has been earmarked for a future hotel, designed to serve travelers arriving or departing via Terminal 3.
Officials from the planning authority emphasized the significance of the permit approval. For them, it represents not only an essential boost to Ben Gurion Airport’s capacity but also a strategic step to maintain readiness in the face of increasing demand. “Advancing the HBS building permit is a crucial boost to the airport’s capabilities,” said one senior planner.
Industry observers see the move as part of a broader push to adapt Israel’s primary international gateway to post-war pressures and expected upticks in tourism, commerce, and travel volumes. Given the strains already placed on the airport’s infrastructure, the expansion is likely to relieve bottlenecks and improve passenger flow, at least if everything goes according to plan.
Still, some analysts warn that a one-billion shekel expansion may barely scratch the surface of deeper systemic issues at the airport, especially given the rapidly shifting regional context and continued upward pressure on demand for both civilian and defense-related flights.
For now, though, the state appears committed to pushing ahead, a clear signal that Ben Gurion Airport is preparing to grow in a big way.