New Entrance to Tel Aviv Airport Begins - "Will Shorten Arrival Times and Ease Traffic Congestion"

Soon - New Entrance Gate to Ben Gurion Airport.

The construction of the Ben Gurion Airport West Interchange was approved today (Tue) by the government ministries. The new interchange will serve as the main entrance gate to Ben Gurion Airport and is expected to save travelers about 10 km of travel, shorten the route to the airport from the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway, and ease traffic congestion on Route 1 between Chabad Junction and Ben Gurion.

The project, estimated at approximately one billion shekels, is divided into two phases: part of it is already being executed by the Israel National Roads Company, and an additional part will be executed after publishing a tender for the construction of segments within the airport area.

Currently, travelers arriving at Ben Gurion Airport from the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway must bypass the airport to the east and take a long 10 km detour to the existing entrance. The new interchange is expected to shorten the route and prepare Ben Gurion Airport for the expected increase in traffic in the coming years.

It is estimated that by 2030, approximately 30 million travelers will pass through the airport. The new interchange will help manage the increase in passenger traffic and streamline entry and exit processes from the site.

The decision to construct the interchange was made during the construction of Terminal 3, but was delayed due to opposition from surrounding towns. In 2018, an economic feasibility study demonstrated that the project is justified. Initial works began in November 2022, and the second phase is now underway.

Interchange Design:
• Three bridges from Route 1 over the Ayalon River will provide direct access to the terminals and quick exit to Route 1.
• A new entrance terminal will be built over an area of about 4 dunams in the shape of an airplane wing, including 9 lanes for advanced technology vehicle inspection.

The New Entrance Gate to Ben Gurion Airport. Photo: Authority Spokesperson

Tender and Completion of the Project:
In the coming days, the Airports Authority is expected to issue a tender for the construction of the interchange, with an opening expected in about 4 years.

The New Entrance Gate to Ben Gurion Airport. Photo: Authority Spokesperson