Tel Aviv Airport's Resilience: Rising Passenger Numbers Amid Challenges

Despite a significant drop in air traffic during the final quarter of 2023 due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv reported a 10% increase in passenger traffic for the year. This resilience in the face of adversity was highlighted by the Israel Airports Authority's recent report, which revealed that the number of international travelers soared to 21.1 million in 2023, up from 19.2 million the previous year.

The airport experienced a robust surge in passenger traffic by 38.5% to 19.1 million over the first nine months before the conflict escalated on October 7. However, the situation took a drastic turn with a steep decline in air travel thereafter, leading to a 78% and 71% drop in November and December, respectively.

El Al Israel Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, emerged as a beneficiary during this turbulent period. With most foreign airlines suspending operations in Israel due to safety concerns, El Al saw its passenger numbers jump by 32.5% to 5.5 million in 2023, claiming a significant 26.3% market share at Ben Gurion. Wizz Air followed as the second-largest airline, with over a 9% share and a 35.5% increase in passenger traffic, despite ceasing flights in the last quarter. Ryanair, despite a 12% decline in passengers, maintained a 5.4% share.

Udi Bar Oz, the managing director of Ben Gurion, emphasized the airport's commitment to operational continuity while prioritizing safety and security. Remarkably, during December, El Al accounted for nearly 80% of passenger flights, with smaller Israeli carrier Israir and FlyDubai following. The month saw limited international activity, with only seven foreign airlines operating flights to Israel.

The United States, particularly New York's JFK airport, was the top contributor to air traffic in December, followed by France and Britain. The gradual return of airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Aegean, Air France, and Ryanair marks a positive sign for the region’s aviation sector.

Tourism in Israel also witnessed growth, with 3 million tourists in 2023, a rise from 2.7 million in 2022. This data underscores the resilience of Israel’s travel and tourism industry, adapting and overcoming the challenges posed by the geopolitical situation.