Ben Gurion Airport is seeing its busiest day of the summer season, with around 101,000 passengers expected to pass through on arriving and departing international flights.

The figure marks a significant jump even from July’s peak travel days. The Israel Airports Authority had projected roughly 85,500 passengers on one major July travel day, followed by a then-season high of around 91,000 the following week. Today’s traffic pushes the summer rush firmly past the 100,000-passenger mark.

The surge is already putting heavy pressure on airport parking. The Kerem and Pardes lots are full, with congestion expected to continue through the weekend. Passengers arriving by car are being directed to alternative nearby lots, while drivers picking up arrivals are advised to use the dedicated waiting lot, where the first hour is free.

The crowds also highlight how sharply Israeli aviation has rebounded. Ben Gurion handled about 18.5 million passengers in 2025, up 33% from the previous year, though still below the roughly 21.8 million passengers recorded in 2023. With summer traffic now breaking above 100,000 passengers in a single day, the recovery is becoming increasingly visible inside the terminals.