Israel’s Israel Airports Authority and the Transport Ministry are examining plans to expand flight activity at Ben-Gurion Airport following the ceasefire announcement, the authority said Wednesday.
In a statement, the Airports Authority said it is conducting ongoing situational assessments with relevant partners and considering a gradual expansion of operations at its facilities, in line with security directives and guidance from the Transport Ministry.
Despite the announcement, aviation officials have cautioned that resuming full activity could take time. Officials cited by the Kan public broadcaster said the continued presence of US Air Force personnel and aircraft at the airport, alongside efforts to assess the stability of the ceasefire with Iran, is expected to slow the pace of a complete return to standard operations.
In the meantime, authorities are reportedly focusing on increasing passenger capacity per flight as a first step toward lifting restrictions. Narrow-body aircraft are expected to allow up to 120 passengers, while wide-body aircraft could accommodate up to 150 passengers. The changes could come into effect as soon as next week.
Officials are also considering reopening Ramon Airport in southern Israel as an additional international gateway for outbound travel.
Arkia to resume a full flight schedule starting May 3
Israeli carrier Arkia Israeli Airlines announced preparations to increase outbound passenger volumes, expand flight schedules, and add frequencies in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Airports Authority, as easing measures at Ben-Gurion are expected to remain in place through May 2.
During April, Arkia plans to operate flights to Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bangkok, New York, and Budapest, with the airline aiming to resume a full flight schedule starting May 3.
The airline said passengers holding existing tickets will be prioritized for rebooking, while flights are expected to reopen for sale across all of its distribution channels in the coming hours.
Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz said the company is working in full coordination with regulators to gradually increase flight availability and passenger numbers, but cautioned that the current framework remains "influenced by the security situation and is based on temporary arrangements."
He added that Ben-Gurion Airport continues to operate under capacity limitations due to ongoing security activity, meaning further changes may be required depending on developments.