Ben-Gurion Airport is expected to undergo a major upgrade with the construction of a new western entrance that will shorten travel by roughly 10 kilometers for those flying abroad and help ease traffic congestion. This is one of the Israel Airports Authority’s largest planned infrastructure projects in the coming years, with an estimated cost of about one billion shekels.
A Significant Shortcut
Currently, passengers traveling to Ben-Gurion Airport from the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem Highway must detour around the airport via the east in a long and cumbersome route to reach the existing entrance. The new interchange will connect Highway 1 directly to the terminals and enable a quicker exit from the airport, significantly easing congestion between the Chabad Interchange and the existing entrance.
The new interchange will include three bridges over the Ayalon River, allowing for rapid entry and exit, along with a new 4-dunam (approximately one acre) entry terminal featuring nine vehicle inspection lanes. These lanes will utilize advanced technologies for faster screening. The project is also designed to support future passenger growth at Ben-Gurion Airport, which is expected to handle about 30 million travelers annually by 2030.
Extensive Upgrade at Ben-Gurion Airport
The new entrance is part of a comprehensive infrastructure plan led by the Ministry of Transportation and the Israel Airports Authority to upgrade Ben-Gurion Airport. The plan includes a series of projects aimed at improving operational capabilities, reducing wait times, and enhancing the passenger experience. Among the initiatives are the expansion of passport control areas, upgrades to security screening zones, the construction of a new entry gate for arriving passengers, and the expansion of the duty-free dining area.
Contract Winner
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd. has won the tender to construct the new entrance to Ben-Gurion Airport. The project includes cooperation with Netivei Israel – the National Transport Infrastructure Company – which is handling parts of the work outside the airport grounds. The sections within the airport will be carried out by Shapir, and the work is expected to be completed by early 2029. The company will incorporate advanced technologies into the new vehicle screening system at the airport entrance.
