Transportation Ministry announces reopening of Terminal 1 for low-cost flights to and from Israel

The Transportation Ministry announced today (Tuesday) that it was reopening Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 1, due to increased demand for travel to and from Israel and a calmer security situation.

Almost all foreign airlines ended trips to and from Israel when the war began. Although they have begun returning, low-cost airlines like RyanAir have complained about the closure of Terminal 1 during the lull, which increases costs to travellers.

Despite the high cost of operating the terminal - some 200-300 million NIS a year according to Calcalist - the ministry nevertheless decided to reopen the terminal on June 1. Among the justifications was the many reservists who wish to take a vacation after months of fighting in Gaza.