Is Ben Gurion Airport Open Right Now?
Yes — Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is open and fully operational as of April 9, 2026.
After a 40-day closure caused by the Israel-Iran conflict (Operation Roaring Lion, February 28 – April 9, 2026), Israel’s main international gateway has resumed regular arrivals and departures. Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir have restored service to dozens of destinations including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Bangkok, and Tokyo. As of late April 2026, the first major European carrier – AEGEAN Airlines also restarted its Athens–Tel Aviv route, signaling a gradual return of international airlines to the Israeli market.
If you’ve been holding off on booking your trip, the runway is officially clear.
What Happened at Ben Gurion Airport During the War?
Understanding the recent history helps you plan smarter. Here’s a quick timeline:
October 2023: War in Gaza begins; several foreign airlines suspend Israel routes.
May 4, 2025: A Houthi ballistic missile strikes the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, injuring eight people and causing a brief flight suspension.
February 28, 2026: Israel and the US launch joint strikes on Iran (Operation Roaring Lion). Ben Gurion Airport closes to commercial traffic. Flights are suspended entirely.
March 8, 2026: Limited outbound repatriation flights resume — capped at 50 passengers per plane — allowing stranded Israelis and tourists to begin departing.
April 9, 2026: A ceasefire takes hold. Ben Gurion Airport fully reopens. All terminals, duty-free, and passenger services return to normal operations.
Late April – May 2026: International carriers begin gradual return. Flight frequencies are building back up, though some Western carriers (Delta, United, Lufthansa Group) remain suspended until at least mid-2026. Most travelers from North America are currently connecting via Athens, Rome, or Istanbul.
Which Airlines Are Currently Flying to Israel?
As of May 2026, the following carriers are operating services to and from Ben Gurion Airport:
Israeli Carriers (most routes available):
- El Al — New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Miami, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Bangkok, Tokyo, and more
- Arkia — Athens, Larnaca, Vienna, New York, Budapest, and select European cities
- Israir — Regional European routes
International Carriers (gradually returning):
- AEGEAN Airlines — Athens ↔ Tel Aviv (resumed April 28, 2026)
- Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines — In the process of resuming, pending final security clearances
Suspended until at least mid-2026:
- Delta, United, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS
Pro tip for North American travelers: Connect via Athens (ATH) — it currently has the most flight options to Tel Aviv. Book directly through El Al or Arkia for the most up-to-date availability.
Do You Need an ETA-IL to Enter Israel in 2026?
Yes – this is one of the most important things to do before you travel.
Since January 1, 2025, all visitors from visa-exempt countries – including the USA, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia — must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying to Israel. This is not optional; airlines will deny boarding if you don’t have it.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | All visa-exempt travelers (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and 90+ countries) |
| Cost | 25 ILS (approximately $7–8 USD) |
| How to apply | Online at israel-entry.piba.gov.il (the official Israeli government portal) |
| Processing time | 24–72 hours, apply as soon as you book your flight |
| Validity | 2 years, multiple entries, up to 90 days per stay |
| Children | Every traveler, including infants, needs their own ETA-IL |
Think of the ETA-IL as Israel’s version of the US ESTA or Europe’s ETIAS. It’s a quick online form with a small fee, but the 72-hour processing window means leaving it to the last minute can cost you your flight.
Important: Several scam websites charge inflated fees to “help” you apply. Always use the official government portal: israel-entry.piba.gov.il
What to Expect at Ben Gurion Airport Arrivals
Ben Gurion Airport is widely regarded as one of the most secure airports in the world — and that’s especially true in the current security climate. Here’s what a typical arrival looks like in 2026:
1. Highway Security Checkpoint Before you even reach the terminal, your taxi or transfer vehicle will pass through a checkpoint on the approach road. Have your passport ready.
2. Passport Control (Level G, Terminal 3) Present your passport and your approved ETA-IL. Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit, accommodation, and length of stay. Answer clearly and honestly. Non-Israeli travelers have been known to wait 60–90+ minutes at passport control during peak periods.
3. Baggage Claim & Customs Standard process. Note that Israel no longer stamps passports. Instead, you will receive an Electronic Gate Pass — a small slip of paper with your entry information and a barcode. Keep this safe throughout your entire stay; you may need it for hotel check-ins and at departure.
4. Arrivals Hall Once through customs, you’ll exit into the arrivals hall where drivers and greeters wait. If you have a pre-booked airport transfer to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Haifa, your driver will be waiting with a name sign.
Good to know: Shared taxi (sherut) services from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem and Haifa have been discontinued as of 2026. A pre-booked private transfer is now the most reliable option for getting to your destination.
Why Smart Travelers Are Booking VIP Airport Service in 2026
The airport experience in 2026 is more complex than ever new ETA-IL requirements, heightened security procedures, and a backlog of passengers returning after months of disrupted travel. For international travelers who want to avoid the stress, an airport VIP service at Ben Gurion isn’t a luxury anymore it’s practical travel insurance.
Here’s a realistic timeline for an average traveler going through Ben Gurion without assistance during peak periods:
- Vehicle security checkpoint: 5–15 min
- Terminal security screening: 15–45 min
- Check-in (departure): 20–30 min
- Passport control (arrival): 60–90 min
- Baggage collection: 20–30 min
Total: up to 3 hours 30 minutes just in airport procedures.
With Israel Welcome’s Express or VIP service, a personal steward escorts you through dedicated fast-track lanes for security, passport control, and baggage — cutting this time dramatically while you travel stress-free.
Is Israel Safe to Visit in 2026?
Safety is the top question on every traveler’s mind right now, and it deserves an honest answer.
For most tourist areas: yes, Israel is safe to visit.
Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Eilat are stable and welcoming visitors. The ceasefire declared in April 2026 has held, and Ben Gurion Airport is fully operational. However, certain precautions are still recommended:
- Download the Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) app before arrival — it provides real-time rocket and missile alerts specific to your location in Israel
- Avoid travel to Gaza, the West Bank (unless on a vetted organized tour), and immediate northern border areas
- Monitor your government’s travel advisory — the US State Department currently rates Israel at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), with specific areas at Level 4
The situation is improving week by week. Hundreds of thousands of travelers moved through Ben Gurion Airport in August 2025 the busiest month since the Gaza war began and international airlines are resuming routes as confidence in the security situation grows.
Pre-Travel Checklist: What to Do Before Flying to Israel
Before you leave for the airport, make sure you have the following:
- ETA-IL approval – applied at least 72 hours before departure via israel-entry.piba.gov.il
- Passport – valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Travel insurance – including medical evacuation cover
- Hotel reservation printout – Israeli security may ask where you’re staying
- Airport VIP booking confirmation (if applicable) – have it on your phone
- Home Front Command app – downloaded and set to your Israel destination
- Pre-booked airport transfer – sherut services are no longer available; arrange private transport in advance
Make Your Ben Gurion Airport Experience Seamless
Flying into or out of Israel in 2026 involves more steps than ever before. Security is thorough, passport control queues are long, and new ETA-IL procedures add another layer of preparation.
Israel Welcome has been helping travelers navigate Ben Gurion Airport for years – through airport security upgrades, travel disruptions, and now the return to full operations post-ceasefire. Our VIP and Express services include:
- Personal steward from aircraft door to arrivals hall (or gate)
- Fast-track priority lanes through security and passport control
- Luggage assistance and porter service
- Priority check-in counters for departures
- Optional access to the exclusive Fattal VIP Lounge (Gold Service)
- Pre-booked private airport transfers to all parts of Israel
Ready to Book Your VIP Airport Service?
Don’t leave your Israel arrival or departure to chance. With security procedures at their most intensive and passenger volumes rising daily, the right support makes all the difference.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Israel: +972-52-917-1710
USA / Canada: 1-888-500-4414
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ben Gurion Airport fully reopened on April 9, 2026, following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. All terminals, duty-free shops, and passenger services are operating normally. Flight frequencies are increasing week by week as more international carriers gradually resume their routes.
Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir are currently operating the most routes, including flights to New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Bangkok, and Tokyo. AEGEAN Airlines became the first major European carrier to resume service on April 28, 2026, operating the Athens–Tel Aviv route. Major Western carriers such as Delta, United, and Lufthansa Group airlines remain suspended until at least mid-2026. For North American travelers, connecting via Athens is currently the most reliable option.
Yes. Since January 1, 2025, all visa-exempt travelers — including those from the USA, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia — must hold an approved ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding a flight to Israel. The application is done online at israel-entry.piba.gov.il, costs approximately $7 (25 ILS), and takes 24–72 hours to process. Airlines check for it at check-in and will deny boarding without it. Apply as soon as you book your flight.
For most tourist areas — Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Eilat — yes, Israel is currently stable and welcoming visitors following the April 2026 ceasefire. You should still download the Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) app for real-time alerts, avoid Gaza, the West Bank, and northern border areas, and monitor your government’s latest travel advisory before departure. The US State Department currently rates Israel at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
During peak periods, allow up to 3.5 hours total for vehicle security checkpoint, terminal screening, check-in (departures) or passport control (arrivals), and baggage collection. Non-Israeli travelers have been known to wait 60–90 minutes at passport control alone. Booking a VIP or Express service gives you a personal steward and dedicated fast-track lanes, cutting this time significantly.
No. Israel stopped stamping passports at Ben Gurion and most land borders in 2013. Instead, every arriving passenger receives an Electronic Gate Pass a small printed slip containing your entry date, visa category, and a barcode. Keep this card with you for your entire stay; hotels, car rental companies, and departure officers may ask to see it.
No. As of 2026, shared sherut taxi services from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem and Haifa have been discontinued. The most reliable way to reach your destination is a pre-booked private airport transfer arranged before your flight lands.
A VIP Meet & Greet service means a personal steward meets you at the aircraft door or airport entrance and escorts you through every step — security, passport control, baggage collection, and customs using dedicated priority lanes. Israel Welcome offers three tiers: Express Service (from $299), VIP Club Service (from $319), and Gold Club Service with access to the exclusive Fattal private lounge (from $669). All services are available for both arrivals and departures, 24 hours a day.
Yes. Israel Welcome’s VIP and Express services are priced per group for 1–5 passengers, with additional per-person rates for larger groups. Whether you are traveling solo, as a family, or as a corporate group, a dedicated steward handles everyone together. Make a reservation here or call us 24/7.
Have the following ready before you land:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates)
- Approved ETA-IL confirmation (on your phone or printed)
- Hotel reservation printout or address of where you are staying
- VIP service booking confirmation (if applicable)
- Travel insurance details including emergency contact number
Security officers may ask about your accommodation, the purpose of your visit, and your travel history. Answer clearly, honestly, and confidently.