Israel Planning Administration approves construction permit for Ben Gurion Airport expansion

The Israel Planning Administration approves the application for a construction permit for an expansion project at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport’s main Terminal 3, designed to meet an expected steady rise in passenger traffic and improve operational services in the coming years.

The permit is for the construction of a new building, which will house advanced baggage-handling systems, operational offices, passenger check-in counters, and dedicated unloading areas, at an estimated cost of NIS 1 billion ($311 million).

In addition, the planned building structure will serve as the foundation for a hotel, slated for construction on the eastern rooftop level, which will be accessible to travelers directly from the terminal.

“Advancement on the permit for the hold baggage screening (HBS) building is an important step in strengthening Ben Gurion Airport’s operational capabilities and preparing for increased passenger traffic,” says Ron Rekah, head of the Licensing and Construction Department at the Israel Planning Administration. “The structure is an excellent example of dual-use, as a hotel will be built above the building, directly adjacent to the terminal.”

The expanded structure at Terminal 3 is expected to improve operational efficiency and bring the airport in line with international standards. In 2025, about 19 million passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport, and in 2026, a total of 22 million.