Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic at National Airport in August: Staggering 2.9 million passengers

In a recent monthly report published by the National Airport, it has been revealed that passenger traffic in August soared to new heights, shattering previous records. Last month, a staggering 2.9 million passengers passed through the National Airport, marking a remarkable increase of 24.5% compared to the same period in 2022.

Antalya in Turkey emerged as the top destination, attracting 156 thousand round-trip passengers, a remarkable surge of 46.7% compared to the previous August. The notable surge in passenger traffic was not limited to Antalya, as Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus collectively experienced the highest monthly increase in passenger numbers.

These statistics contrast with the domestic tourism data in Israel, which was somewhat disappointing this summer. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that by year-end, approximately 25 million passengers will have traversed the airport.

Simultaneously, the Airports Authority (Rashat) has announced plans to introduce a series of commercial centers within Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at the National Airport. These centers will house a variety of cafes and restaurants to cater to the growing influx of passengers. Tenders will soon be issued for the operation of a duty-free cafe in Terminal 1, a duty-free dairy restaurant in Terminal 3, and a bakery in the reception hall of Terminal 3.

In total, 11 food complexes are planned for development in the near future, intended to accommodate the rising number of passengers. Currently, there are 29 catering complexes in Israel. In 2022, these complexes generated an impressive turnover of approximately NIS 350 million, with an average redemption of NIS 37 per outgoing passenger. This marks a remarkable increase of approximately 32% compared to 2019, which was the peak year for passenger traffic in Israel prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notably, beyond the standard cafes, a new tender will be introduced for the operation of a complex specializing in the sale of ready-to-eat packaged fast food. Additionally, tenders for an Asian restaurant, a deli, and more will be made available. These new tenders will complement the existing catering establishments throughout Israel.

The tender contracts are set for a period of five years, with the option for the RAS to extend them for an additional three years. Experienced and reliable restaurant chains are encouraged to participate to ensure an optimal level of service for passengers. All catering tenders will include products that are subject to price supervision and will be sold at prices consistent with those in the local market. Key products, such as espresso or mineral water for NIS 8 and reverse coffee or croissants for NIS 12, will maintain fixed and controlled prices throughout the contract duration.