Almost Back to Normal: Ben-Gurion Prepares for Return to Full Activity

Israel is preparing to gradually expand flight operations at Ben Gurion Airport following the recently announced ceasefire with Iran, though officials caution that a full return to normal activity will take time.

The Israel Airports Authority and the Transportation Ministry said they are conducting ongoing assessments to increase capacity in line with security conditions. As an initial step, authorities are considering raising passenger limits on departing flights. Current plans would allow up to 120 passengers on narrow-body aircraft and up to 150 on wide-body planes, with changes potentially taking effect within days.

Despite these discussions, officials emphasized that the pace of reopening will depend heavily on the stability of the ceasefire and continued security evaluations. The presence of US Air Force personnel and aircraft at the airport, along with broader operational concerns, is expected to slow a full resumption of regular activity.

The government has also moved to formally reopen Israel’s airspace, with Ben Gurion Airport resuming broader operations starting overnight Wednesday. Terminal services, including duty-free shops, are set to return, and notifications have been sent to foreign airlines regarding the reopening. However, international carriers are expected to resume flights gradually, pending approvals from their home regulators and confidence in the security situation.

Israeli airlines are already preparing to expand service. Arkia said it plans to increase flight frequency throughout April to destinations including Athens, Larnaca, Rome, London, Paris, and New York, with the goal of returning to a full flight schedule by May 3. The airline noted, however, that operations remain subject to ongoing security developments and could change.

Israir and El Al have also announced plans to ramp up activity, with El Al aiming to expand service to around 30 destinations in the coming weeks. Priority is being given to passengers whose flights were canceled during the war.

Additional steps under consideration include reopening Ramon Airport in southern Israel as an alternative international gateway and gradually restoring operations at other domestic airports.

Since the outbreak of the war on February 28, Israel’s airspace has been largely closed to foreign carriers, with only limited flights operated by Israeli airlines. Passenger caps and strict limits on takeoffs and landings were imposed following repeated Iranian missile attacks on central Israel.

While the ceasefire has created an opening for recovery, officials stress that aviation activity remains tied to security realities, meaning further adjustments are likely in the weeks ahead.