Ministry of Transportation: Terminal 1 at Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport is Set to Reopen by End of May

Israel's Ministry of Transportation, led by Director General Moshe Ben Zaken, has announced plans to reopen Terminal 1 at the country's main airport towards the end of May. The decision follows discussions with professional bodies at the Airports Authority (RA) and comes after a period of closure initiated at the outset of the Gaza conflict.

Terminal 1, primarily serving low-cost flights, was shuttered due to a significant downturn in passenger traffic within Israel and the suspension of flights to and from the country by foreign airlines. However, pressure mounted for its reopening, particularly from Irish carrier Ryanair, which halted its operations in Israel pending the resumption of Terminal 1's activities. The airline cited lower port taxes at Terminal 1 compared to the rates at Terminal 3 as a key factor in its decision.

Initially, the Ministry of Transportation aimed to reopen the terminal in early April, partially in anticipation of the Passover holiday. However, a review of flight demand during Passover revealed insufficient justification for simultaneous operations with Terminal 3. Consequently, preparations for reopening were rescheduled to align with the higher demand anticipated in late May.

The decision to delay the reopening also considers concerns raised by the Airports Authority regarding operational costs and staffing shortages. Terminal 1 incurs annual operating costs estimated at NIS 200-300 million and faces challenges exacerbated by a significant deficit in security personnel, many of whom have been mobilized into reserves.

The Ministry of Transportation remains optimistic that the Airports Authority will adequately prepare for Terminal 1's reopening by June. This timing aligns with the anticipated surge in flight demand during the summer months and the Tishri holidays. It coincides with the resumption of flight services by foreign airlines, signaling a gradual return to normalcy in Israel's aviation sector.