TEL AVIV (VINnews)-Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary international gateway, is preparing for its busiest month of the year as August travel demand intensifies. Airport officials project 2.6 million passengers will pass through the terminals during the month, served by 47 airlines flying to destinations across Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Weekday passenger volumes are expected to average 90,000 to 95,000, with five peak days — Aug. 6, 13, 17, 20 and 27 — forecast to handle nearly 100,000 travelers each. Popular routes include those to Greece, Cyprus, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Germany. Expanded domestic services, particularly Israir’s increased Eilat “air bridge” offering at least 10 daily flights, are also contributing to the higher volumes.

New routes are set to launch, including Air Haifa’s planned service between Haifa and Thessaloniki, Greece.

Major U.S. carriers remain limited, however. American Airlines has postponed the resumption of its Israel flights until after March 2027.

Airport officials advise travelers to arrive at least three hours early, complete online check-in when possible and prepare for significant crowds in the departures hall.