Israel’s aviation industry is making a remarkable comeback, with Ben Gurion Airport on track to record one of the busiest months in its history. According to the Israel Airports Authority, passenger traffic is expected to approach 100,000 travelers in a single day by the end of July, reflecting a rapid recovery following Operation Rising Lion.

Figures released on Wednesday show that approximately 85,500 passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, July 9, aboard roughly 520 arriving and departing flights. Airport officials say those numbers are only a preview of even heavier travel expected later this month.

Beginning Sunday, July 12, daily passenger traffic is projected to exceed 80,000 travelers on every weekday throughout the remainder of the month. An interim high is expected on Thursday, July 16, when about 91,000 passengers are scheduled to travel through the airport.

The busiest day of the month is forecast for Thursday, July 30, when approximately 94,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport on around 560 flight movements. The figure comes close to the 100,000-passenger mark and represents the airport’s busiest day since Operation Rising Lion.

Another particularly busy travel day is expected on Sunday, July 26, when roughly 90,000 passengers are forecast to use the airport.

Overall, approximately 2.3 million passengers are expected to travel through Ben Gurion Airport during July, representing a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Airports Authority said the figures reflect renewed confidence among both Israeli travelers and international airlines operating in Israel.

The sharp recovery has been fueled by the return of numerous foreign airlines and the reopening of Terminal 1 for international flights. In recent months, the terminal had been operating on a limited basis, with many flights redirected to Terminal 3.

In anticipation of the heavy summer travel season, the Israel Airports Authority issued several recommendations for passengers:

• Arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
• Complete online check-in through your airline before arriving.
• Verify in advance which terminal your flight departs from and its scheduled departure time.
• Use the airport’s self-service kiosks to tag and check baggage.
• Travelers who have already checked in and are flying with carry-on luggage only are encouraged to use the airport’s W fast-track complex for quicker processing.
• Whenever possible, use public transportation to reach the airport.

The Airports Authority also recently opened a designated waiting lot that offers one hour of free parking for drivers picking up arriving passengers. The initiative is intended to reduce congestion around the terminal and discourage illegal roadside stopping.

Airport officials say the strong passenger numbers point to a full return to normal operations for Israel’s aviation sector. During the height of the recent security situation, the airport operated on a limited schedule, with flights provided primarily by Israel’s domestic carriers—El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa.

With international airlines now returning in force, the record-breaking passenger forecasts for July signal renewed confidence in air travel to and from Israel, as Israelis once again head abroad in large numbers during the peak summer vacation season.