Ben Gurion Airport Announces Scheduled Friday Closures for Maintenance

Ben Gurion Airport has announced a series of scheduled temporary closures for maintenance work over the coming months. The Israel Airports Authority stated that operations will be halted for five hours on specific dates, restricting takeoffs and landings.

Schedule and Operational Impact

The planned closures will take place strictly on Fridays between 18:00 and 23:00, a period chosen due to lower relative traffic volume. The announced dates include October 16, 2026, followed by November 20, 2026, December 18, 2026, January 15, 2027, February 12, 2027, and March 12, 2027.

While the runways will be closed, the terminal itself will remain accessible. Check-in and security screening for flights departing shortly after 23:00 may proceed as scheduled during the closure hours, requiring passengers to verify counter opening times with their airlines rather than delaying their arrival.

Recommendations for Travelers

Airlines are adjusting schedules by compressing flights into the hours immediately preceding and following the closures, leading to heavy congestion at security checkpoints and passport control. Passengers with connecting flights or tight schedules are advised to monitor updates closely and check cancellation and modification policies.