Ben-Gurion's Terminal 1 reopens to domestic flights following Iran war closure

Reopening after months of closure

Ben-Gurion Airport's Terminal 1 resumed domestic flight operations on Sunday, according to the Israel Airports Authority (IAA), with international flights scheduled to follow on July 1. The terminal had been closed since March, when the outbreak of the Iran war prompted a consolidation of all operations into Terminal 3, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

The phased reopening is part of the IAA's preparations for an expected surge in passenger traffic during the summer school holidays, the authority announced earlier this week. Terminal 1 has historically been the preferred hub for budget airlines, which favor its lower usage fees compared to the larger Terminal 3.

US military presence and capacity constraints

The decision to reopen Terminal 1 comes alongside a plan to relocate approximately half of the US Air Force refueling aircraft currently stationed at Ben-Gurion, according to a report by Maariv. The move is intended to reduce flight disruptions during the peak travel season, as the American military presence has been operating at roughly 70% of the airport's capabilities.

National Security Council Director Shmuel Ben-Ezra is overseeing the relocation, which will see the USAF refuelers moved to Israel Air Force (IAF) bases. In turn, some IAF aircraft will be shifted to other airfields, including Megiddo, to accommodate the arrivals.

Speaking to KAN's Reshet Bet radio, Ben-Ezra noted that the airport is "at the limit of its capabilities," highlighting the operational strain. IAA Director General Sharon Kedmi had earlier told KAN News that up to three million Israelis could face flight cancellations due to the American military activity.

Financial impact and future outlook

The IAA has already recorded a loss of NIS 700 million, a figure that underscores the economic toll of the war-related disruptions. Kedmi stated in May that Ben-Gurion was operating at only one-third of its normal capacity, a situation that the ongoing relocation of US aircraft is designed to alleviate.

As the summer travel season approaches, the reopening of Terminal 1 is expected to ease congestion and restore a degree of normalcy for passengers. The IAA has not yet announced a timeline for the full return of international flights, but the July 1 start date suggests a gradual recovery.

Key Claims

• Terminal 1 Reopening: Domestic flights resumed on June 28, with international flights to follow on July 1, per the IAA announcement.
• Closure Reason: The terminal was closed in March following the outbreak of the Iran war, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• US Aircraft Relocation: Approximately half of the US refueling aircraft at Ben-Gurion are expected to be moved to IAF bases, according to Maariv.
• Capacity and Losses: The IAA has suffered NIS 700 million in losses, and Ben-Gurion is operating at one-third capacity, according to statements by Kedmi and Ben-Ezra.

Perspectives

• Israeli Government/Airport Authority: Emphasizes the need to balance military needs with civilian travel, framing the relocation as a necessary step to restore capacity.
• Passengers and Airlines: The reopening is a positive development, but lingering constraints and potential cancellations remain a concern for the summer.
• Security/Military Analysts: Highlight the strategic importance of US refueling operations and the complexity of relocating them without compromising defense readiness.