The recent security escalation with Iran has not slowed passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport, although many travelers closely monitored developments until the last moment to ensure that no changes had been announced. According to the Israel Airports Authority, approximately 84,400 passengers are expected to pass through the airport today on departing and arriving flights, with routine operations continuing as usual.
"Since this morning, there have been 'peaks' of several flights with short intervals between them, which creates relatively long lines at the check-in counters. You 'can't see the floor' because many passengers are waiting in line, but between these peaks there are no unusual queues and everything is moving smoothly," said a veteran Terminal 3 employee at Ben Gurion Airport, who was assisting passengers and directing them to check-in counters.
"Some people arrive many hours before their flights, and there are also airlines where advance online check-in is not available. Others arrive with only carry-on luggage and still wait in the lines," he added.
Passengers Remain Calm Despite Uncertainty
Haim from Tel Aviv, who was waiting at the check-in counter, said: "As a frequent flyer, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the check-in process moved, especially on the busiest day at Ben Gurion Airport. Before the flight, I had some concerns about possible delays, but the professional and efficient work of the airport teams was simply excellent."
Yaakov and Lizi, who arrived from the Krayot area and were waiting at the check-in counter for their flight to Baku, said: "We kept following the news all the time, but when we heard that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in the United States next week, it was reassuring for us, because our vacation ends on Monday and it does not seem that anything unusual will happen before then."
Haim, who was waiting for a flight to Tashkent, added: "We have already gotten used to what is happening, and I am traveling for business."
Hani and Rachel, who were heading to Greece for a vacation, described the uncertainty surrounding travel during the current period: "Even while we were on our way here, we checked that everything was fine. We wanted to make sure the flight would leave on time. There is a 40-minute delay in the departure, but it is not related to the situation."
A couple waiting for a flight to Dubai said with relief: "We have a connection in Dubai, and the main thing is that the flight is leaving on time and there are no delays."
The parking lots near Terminal 3 were nearly full, with even the high parking fee of NIS 0.50 per minute failing to deter drivers. Due to increased electronic enforcement preventing vehicles from waiting along the roadside, passengers and drivers have limited alternatives.
"Parking is very expensive, but the 'Parking Law' has caused prices to rise not only here," said one driver who was forced to pay NIS 47.5 for approximately an hour and a half of parking.
Ben Gurion Airport has become a reflection of public sentiment in Israel amid the country's complex security reality and ongoing uncertainty. "People have already gotten used to it, and they are also not afraid of getting stuck abroad if there is an escalation. The main thing is that their flight leaves on time and they can get some breathing room," said Avi from Tel Aviv.
Summer Travel Boom Pushes Ben Gurion Toward New Record
As the summer travel season reaches its peak, the monthly passenger record is expected to be broken on Thursday, July 30, with approximately 94,000 passengers forecast to pass through the airport on around 560 aircraft movements. The Airports Authority said that July is expected to end with approximately 2.3 million passengers - around 25% more than during the same period last year.
Despite the record-breaking traffic, passengers who have already booked flights for the coming days continue to monitor developments closely.
"My flight to Budapest is on Tuesday. I am already counting the days and hoping there will be no changes. I booked a hotel and it cannot be canceled," said Itzik, who lives in Bat Yam.