Tired of the overcrowding at Ben-Gurion Airport right before your flight? Certain passengers will soon be able to step away from the terminal's bustle and wait for their flight in somewhat more pampering conditions – but for others, it is a pleasure that will cost quite a bit.
A new VIP lounge has opened in Terminal 3 at Ben-Gurion Airport, as part of a collaboration between Jetex, an operator of luxury lounges and private aviation terminals worldwide, and LAYAM, part of the Teddy Sagi Group. This is the first of two lounges the companies are expected to operate at Ben-Gurion Airport, which together will span approximately 620 square meters.
The first lounge, which has opened, is located in the duty-free area near the synagogue and spans about 250 square meters. The second lounge, covering an area of about 370 square meters, is expected to open in the coming months.
But the question that interests passengers is, of course, who can enter and what it costs.
Holders of premium American Express cards will be able to enter the lounge free of charge, in accordance with the card's terms and the company's agreement with Jetex. It is important to note: According to the entry conditions, the physical card must be presented rather than the card in a digital wallet; as for bringing a guest, American Express terms apply.
Premium class passengers and eligible club members will also be able to use the lounge free of charge. In addition, eligibility is granted to business class passengers of certain foreign airlines, including Etihad, British Airways, and Air France, as well as groups and organizations that have arrangements with the operators.
And what about those who are not in one of these groups? They can also enter – for $100 per person for a one-time entry.
So what do you get for this amount?
The lounge was designed in an attempt to create the feel of a boutique hotel rather than an airport waiting area. The design language combines wood, stone, brass, and vegetation, alongside earth tones and soft lighting. The venue features seating areas, work corners, charging outlets, and wireless internet, with some of the spaces designed for quieter and more private seating.
Food has also taken center stage here. The menu is led by Chef Eitan Mizrahi, former chef of the Royal Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv, and is based on an interpretation of Israeli cuisine. In the desserts department, pastry chef Dudu Outmezgine enters the picture, alongside Nespresso coffee and a bar with a variety of alcoholic beverages from international brands.
The new lounge is part of Jetex's move to expand its operations to Ben-Gurion Airport as well. The Dubai-headquartered company operates private aviation terminals, ground services, and VIP lounges in more than 40 destinations worldwide, including Dubai, Paris, Muscat, and Singapore.
For LAYAM, this is a significant expansion into the field of premium passenger services. The companies won a tender last year from the Israel Airports Authority to operate two lounges at Ben-Gurion Airport, after competing against the Fattal Group and Aviapartner. The agreement grants them operating rights for six years, with an option to extend for an additional three years.
Ben-Gurion's growing luxury lounge business
Entry into lounges at Ben-Gurion Airport has become quite a business in recent years. According to figures provided by the companies, in 2025 the turnover of luxury lounges at Ben-Gurion Airport totaled more than NIS 85m.
As part of this understanding, ONE ZERO Bank announced the expansion of the ONE Travel benefits package for its customers flying abroad, launching a new benefit: Up to 3 entries per year to airport lounges in Israel and worldwide, by accumulating a monthly credit of $10 and up to $120 per year. The benefit allows access to lounges at Ben-Gurion Airport and about 1,400 other lounges worldwide – and can also be redeemed by spouses, family, or friends.
In the case of the new lounge, the companies are attempting to introduce a standard to Ben-Gurion Airport that is familiar to passengers in luxury aviation lounges worldwide – with a combination of food, work, relaxation, and personal service. Later, as noted, the second lounge is expected to open, completing the entire complex to an area of 620 square meters.