Title: The Impact of the Gaza Ceasefire on Ben Gurion International Airport’s Passenger Traffic: A Case Study of Post-Conflict Recovery in Israel
Abstract
This paper examines the surge in passenger traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport (BGIA) following the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire in October 2024. It analyzes the statistical data provided by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA), contextualizes the recovery within the broader socio-political landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and evaluates the implications for Israel’s tourism sector and regional stability. The study highlights the airport’s 33% annual increase in passenger volume in 2025, attributing it to the resumption of international flights and renewed tourist activity. However, it also underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions that pose a threat to the sustainability of this recovery. The findings underscore the interplay between conflict, infrastructure, and economic resilience, offering insights into post-conflict recovery dynamics in volatile regions.
- Introduction
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long impacted regional economic and social stability, with conflicts in Gaza often disrupting the movement of people and goods. Ben Gurion International Airport (BGIA), Israel’s primary gateway, saw its passenger traffic plummet during the two-year Gaza war (October 2023–October 2024), as airlines suspended operations amid security concerns. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire in October 2024 marked a pivotal turning point, enabling the resumption of flights and catalyzing a 33% increase in passenger traffic in 2025. This paper investigates the factors driving this recovery, focusing on the interplay between political stability, airline operations, and tourism. It argues that the ceasefire has revitalized BGIA’s operations, though lingering conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties may temper long-term recovery. - Historical Context: BGIA and the Gaza War
BGIA, located near Tel Aviv, is a critical hub for Israel’s economy and tourism. In 2023, it handled 21.8 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the region. However, the outbreak of the Gaza war following Hamas’s October 7 attacks led to a dramatic decline in traffic. By 2024, annual passenger numbers dropped to 13.9 million, a 36% decrease from 2023. Over the next 24 months, sustained hostilities and security risks prompted many airlines to suspend flights. El Al Israel Airlines, the flag carrier, maintained operations except during brief escalations, such as the December 2024 Iran-Israel conflict. The airport’s role as a major tourist and transport hub became effectively paralyzed, reflecting the broader economic challenges posed by prolonged conflict. - Analysis of Passenger Traffic Growth
The ceasefire in October 2024, brokered by the United States, facilitated a rapid resumption of international flights. By December 2025, passenger traffic at BGIA surged by 59% year-on-year, culminating in a 33% overall increase in 2025, with 18.5 million passengers. Key drivers of this growth include:
Resumption of International Flights: Carriers such as Aegean, flydubai, Etihad, Lufthansa, and United resumed routes to Tel Aviv. Wizz Air, the leading foreign carrier, saw its passenger numbers double to 1.23 million, securing a 7% market share, as it pursued plans to establish a regional hub in Israel.
Shift in Market Dynamics: El Al’s passenger volume rose 5% to 6.9 million, though its market share declined from 48% to 37%, reflecting increased competition. Smaller airlines like Israir (11%) and Arkia (9%) gained traction.
Economic Gains Amid Crisis: El Al reported significant revenue growth due to reduced competition and increased tariffs during the conflict, underscoring the paradox of airlines profiting from wartime scarcity.
- Impact on Tourism and Outbound Travel
The ceasefire correlated with a 38% increase in in-bound tourism to Israel in 2025, reaching 1.34 million visitors. However, this fell short of the 3.24 million tourists recorded in 2023, reflecting lingering security concerns. Outbound tourism also rose 33% to 9.42 million Israelis, indicating domestic demand for travel. While tourism is a critical economic sector for Israel, the data suggests cautious optimism among international travelers, with many remaining hesitant to visit until the situation fully stabilizes. - Geopolitical Considerations and Risks
Despite the ceasefire, tensions persist. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since October 2024 have killed over 400 Palestinians, while Palestinian militants have targeted Israeli soldiers. Both sides accuse each other of violating ceasefire provisions. These ongoing hostilities pose risks to BGIA’s recovery. If the conflict resumes, airlines may once again suspend flights, and tourists could abandon travel plans. The U.S. role in brokering the ceasefire underscores the importance of international diplomacy in facilitating regional economic revival, yet its sustainability hinges on broader peace efforts in the Middle East. - Discussion: Broader Implications
The BGIA case illustrates how post-conflict recovery is contingent on political stability and international cooperation. The airport’s rebound demonstrates the economic and infrastructural resilience of critical nodes in volatile regions. However, the 18.5 million passengers in 2025 (versus 21.8 million in 2023) indicate that full recovery requires a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. The expansion of Wizz Air and other airlines into Israel’s market also highlights the potential for diversification and increased competition to drive growth, provided the geopolitical climate remains favorable. - Conclusion
The U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire has catalyzed a significant recovery in passenger traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport, driven by the resumption of international flights and renewed tourism. While the data underscores the airport’s resilience, the ongoing volatility in the region raises questions about the sustainability of this growth. Future research should explore the long-term economic impacts of conflict on travel infrastructure and the role of international mediation in post-conflict recovery. For now, BGIA’s story serves as a case study in the delicate balance between political stability and economic revitalization in a deeply divided region.
References
Israel Airports Authority. (2026). Annual Passenger Traffic Report, 2025.
Reuters. (2026). Gaza Ceasefire Boosts Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport Traffic.
El Al Israel Airlines. (2025). Annual Financial Report.
Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. (2026). Tourism and Outbound Travel Statistics, 2025.
Wizz Air. (2025). Corporate Strategy and Market Expansion in Israel.