Ben Gurion Airport Traffic Soars: Did Israel's Aviation Hit a 33% Passenger Rebound?

December 25, 2025 at 12:34 PM•2 min read

Israel Airports Authority data shows a 33% passenger increase in 2025, driven by Ben Gurion Airport's resurgence, signaling a major commercial aviation

Key Points

118.4 million international passengers traveled through Ben Gurion Airport in 2025, a 33% increase over 2024.
2Aircraft movements at TLV rose by 32%, totaling approximately 134,000 takeoffs and landings.
3Israeli carriers, led by El Al, maintained a 58% market share, while 60 foreign airlines resumed services.
4The Israel Airports Authority projects continued growth, expecting 22 million passengers in 2026.

Israel's commercial aviation sector recorded a significant rebound in 2025. New data from the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) confirms this strong recovery. The sector saw a 33% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2024. This surge follows two challenging years for the industry.

Ben Gurion Airport Leads the Resurgence

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) was the primary driver of this growth. The airport handled approximately 18.4 million international passengers in 2025. This figure marks the 33% Israel aviation passenger increase. Total TLV aircraft movements also saw a sharp rise. The IAA recorded roughly 134,000 takeoffs and landings. This represents a 32% increase from the previous year. The 2025 figures show a clear return to the international map.

Market Dynamics and Carrier Performance

Domestic carriers maintained a dominant position. Israeli airlines carried 58% of all passengers. El Al, the flag carrier, remained the market leader. It accounted for 38% of the total Ben Gurion Airport traffic. However, this share slightly dropped as foreign carriers returned.

Approximately 60 foreign airlines resumed service during the year. This is still fewer than the 80 carriers operating pre-war. Hungary-based low-cost carrier Wizz Air was the top foreign airline. They plan to open a new Wizz Air hub in Israel in the spring. The increase in capacity eventually brought relief to airfares.

Broader Aviation Recovery and Future Outlook

The recovery extended beyond the main hub. Ramon Airport operations near Eilat also saw growth. The airport traffic grew by 13% in 2025. It handled 750,000 passengers, mostly domestic travelers. Haifa International Airport also recorded strong gains.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev called the figures a positive signal. She noted the industry's ability to grow under difficult conditions. Director General Moshe Ben Zaken echoed this sentiment. He stated the growth testifies to the aviation system's resilience. The Israel transport ministry is preparing for sustained growth.

Key Destinations: Greece, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates topped the list for travelers.
2026 Forecast: The IAA is optimistic for the coming year. They expect 22 million passengers in 2026.

This strong 2025 aviation rebound is vital for the region. It signals renewed confidence in commercial aviation news for Israel. The return of foreign carriers is a critical step toward full market normalization. For more flight operation news, visit the commercial aviation news section.