Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Ben Gurion Airport Sees Passenger Surge After Gaza Ceasefire
Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel had a big increase in passengers in 2025.
This is because more airlines started flying to Israel again after a ceasefire in the Gaza war.
The airport had 18.5 million passengers in 2025, which is more than the 13.9 million in 2024 but still less than the 21.8 million in 2023.
El Al, the main Israeli airline, had more passengers but a smaller share of the market.
Other airlines like Wizz Air also had more passengers.
Tourists coming to Israel also increased, but not as many as before the war.
The ceasefire has mostly stopped the fighting, but there are still some conflicts.
Passenger traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport rose 33% in 2025 to 18.5 million, up from 13.9 million in 2024.
The increase is attributed to the resumption of flights by foreign carriers after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the Gaza war.
El Al Israel Airlines, which maintained flights throughout the war, saw a 5% annual gain to 6.9 million passengers but a market share drop to 37% from 48%.
Wizz Air was the largest foreign carrier in Israel with 1.23 million passengers, double its 2024 level, and is seeking to establish a hub in Israel.
Tourist numbers to Israel rose 38% in 2025 to 1.34 million but remained below the 2023 level of 3.24 million.
- Who
- Passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport, El Al Israel Airlines, Wizz Air, and other foreign carriers
- What
- A 33% increase in passenger traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport in 2025 due to the resumption of flights after a Gaza ceasefire
- When
- The increase was reported on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, reflecting data from 2025
- Where
- Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel
- Why
- The resumption of flights by foreign carriers after many airlines halted flights during the two-year Gaza war
- Passenger Traffic 2025
- 18.5 million
- Passenger Traffic 2024
- 13.9 million
- Passenger Traffic 2023
- 21.8 million
- December 2025 Passenger Increase
- 59%
- El Al Market Share 2025
- 37%
- El Al Market Share 2024
- 48%
- Wizz Air Passengers 2025
- 1.23 million
- Tourist Numbers 2025
- 1.34 million
- Tourist Numbers 2023
- 3.24 million
- Outgoing Tourism by Israelis 2025
- 9.42 million