Israel’s civil aviation sector recorded a recovery in 2025, with international passenger traffic and flight activity rising sharply, the Israel Airports Authority said Tuesday in its annual report.
About 18.4 million passengers traveled through Ben Gurion International Airport on international flights this year, a 33% increase from 2024. The authority said the number is expected to reach 22 million in 2026.
Aircraft movements also climbed, with roughly 134,000 flights recorded — up 32% from the previous year.
The report said 60 foreign airlines resumed service to Israel after suspending operations during the country’s multi‑front conflict. Top destinations for Israeli travelers included Greece, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Italy and Cyprus.
Israeli carriers continued to dominate the market, with El Al, Arkia and Israir together handling 58% of all passengers. Hungary‑based Wizz Air was the leading foreign airline.
Passenger traffic also increased at Haifa Airport, where the new carrier Air Haifa began operating last year, and at Ramon Airport near the Red Sea resort of Eilat.
At the Taba crossing with Egypt, passenger numbers rose 56% to 960,000. Traffic at Israel’s two crossings with Jordan increased 43% overall, while the Israel‑Jordan‑controlled crossing between the West Bank and Jordan saw a 6% decline.