On July 1, Terminal 1 at Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Airport will reopen after several months of closure, aimed at alleviating congestion in Terminal 3, which has been handling all passenger traffic under security constraints. Terminal 1 is primarily designated for domestic flights and low-cost international flights, and its reopening is crucial as the airport prepares for a surge in passenger numbers during the summer peak season. The Israeli Airport Authority (IAA) announced this reopening as part of its preparations for the expected influx of travelers during the summer months. Domestic flights will resume on June 28, followed by a gradual reintroduction of low-cost international routes starting July 1. This decision comes amidst ongoing operational restrictions at the airport, largely due to military activities on the platform. IAA Director General Sharon Kadmi noted that nearly 70% of the airport's usual operations remain impacted, with Ben Gurion currently operating at about one-third of its capacity.
The reopening of Terminal 1 is expected to help accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic this summer, reflecting a marked recovery in Israeli outbound tourism. In 2025, a record of 9.42 million exits from the country was recorded, showcasing the strong desire of Israelis to travel abroad after years of crisis. However, the IAA has cautioned that some airlines may not be able to resume operations at the desired pace, leading to potential cancellations and delays, particularly for incoming international flights. Travelers are advised to check their departure terminal in advance to avoid long lines and additional inconveniences.
On the arrivals side, Israel welcomed 124,000 international visitors in May 2025, a 9% increase compared to May 2024, although still significantly lower than pre-COVID levels. "Israeli tourism is continuing its recovery after several years of major disruptions," authorities emphasize, highlighting the rise in hotel occupancy rates and the gradual return of airlines. The Ministry of Tourism anticipates that this recovery will continue, provided there is a sustainable stabilization of the security situation. In this context, representatives of Israeli tourism are actively reaching out to travel agencies and tour operators. Laurent Gahnassia, Marketing & Communication Director of the Israeli National Tourism Office (ONIT) in Paris, has urged professionals to be ready for the recovery as soon as conditions allow. He encourages them to maintain connections with their clients, keep Israel in their brochures, and prepare tailored offers for a gradual return, particularly in cultural, religious, and beach tourism.
The objective is to quickly relaunch the marketing of tours and stays as soon as travel restrictions are eased and demand picks up. However, this prospect remains contingent on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Two years after the Hamas attack and the Israeli offensive in Gaza, Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts, particularly against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. While a ceasefire facilitated by an Iranian-American agreement has led to a relative decrease in hostilities, fighting continues intermittently, with Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah fire towards northern Israel.
For both the aviation sector and tourism, the reopening of Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion and calls for readiness for recovery reflect a shared bet: a somewhat more normal summer, despite a still fragile environment. Travel professionals are proceeding with caution, closely monitoring the security situation and recommendations from European foreign ministries. Until Ben Gurion reaches full operational capacity and tourism flows normalize sustainably, Israel is attempting to balance security imperatives, crisis management, and economic recovery, with the partial reopening of Terminal 1 serving as a visible showcase starting July 1.