Ben Gurion Airport

Absolutely horrible and humiliating experience. As an American Soldier, I did not “choose” to come to this country for leisure I answered the call to support an ongoing ceasefire mission involving Israel and Hamas. After completing my duties and attempting to exit the country to return home to my family, I was treated with unnecessary suspicion, disrespect, and incompetence. Airport baggage handlers opened and emptied my bags, as well as the bags of my battle buddies, without regard for professionalism or respect. We were then questioned about why we were carrying military gear despite clearly presenting official orders and valid U.S. military identification. The gear was packed in U.S. marked military bags, making the purpose painfully obvious. This was not a security check it felt like harassment. The lack of coordination, situational awareness, and basic understanding of coalition military movements is unacceptable, especially given the ongoing international operations taking place in this region. Soldiers transiting in and out of country should not be delayed, interrogated, or treated like criminals while simply trying to go home after completing their mission. There needs to be a serious review and correction of procedures for handling military personnel. What happened was inefficient, disrespectful, and completely avoidable. No service member should be treated this way after serving in support of a mission they were ordered to execute.

I’ve just recently travelled to and from Ben Gurion for a holiday. We requested ‘special assistance’ as I was travelling with my sister who was recovering from major surgery and my parents who are both in their 80s and can’t walk that well. Upon landing, a young man called Asaf came and helped us from the plane to our taxi. He spoke perfect English and navigated us through security, and luggage and made sure our driver knew exactly where we were going. He even gave us his number to organise to meet my parents on their way back as I left a week before them. Amazing service - Metsuyan!

December 2022 4* Arrival ———- This was my first visit to Isreal so was little apprehended about immigration but I would say that the process was very smooth. It is long walk from the gate to immigration. One need to get the slip from the machine before going to immigration counter. I must say that process was very smooth and quick. If you are landing on Friday (evening) or Saturday night, be ready to experience Shabbat. Public transport (rail) will not be working and less numbers of taxis on the road. This, you will need to wait in the long queue for the same. Departure —————- The departure was smooth as there are couple of security check. You need to first go through security check before getting your boarding card. After collecting boarding pass, there is security check, followed by passport control. Process was smooth but you should keep one hour extra for departure. There are duty free area with multiple options, including toys, books, clothes and other shops. Boarding area is not very clearly segregated and difficult to find boarding sequence.

Quick immigration for Israeli citizens via biometric passport kiosks. Convenient self-service luggage tag printing is available in Terminal 3 next to the VAT refund counter for mobile check-in users. Overall good experience.

November 2025. No issues at all. Departed from Terminal 1, only had cabin luggage so procedures took just 15 or 20 mins. Security checked every item from my bag individually taking swabs from each of the items but guys were very respectful and professional.

We were at the airport 3 hours before flight. It went rather smoothly maybe because it is off season. Security check takes a while and we have been asked a lot personal questions like - for how long are we together etc. Also basic ones about luggage. We checked in one bag and went straight to the another security check point and that's that. Airport seems to be very huge, 3 terminals not so close to one another. It is also not so obvious where to go next, better ask each time for guidance.

Ben Gurion International Airport is one of the most beautiful airports I’ve been to. It is a very big airport, with lots of shops, food stands, sitting areas and duty-free shops. The security checks are quite detailed and impressive. One however needs to be careful to follow the signs and directions to avoid missing your way and your flight. The workers are always willing to help with directions. There are lounges for anyone who needs privacy and go-cart for those who need aid in mobility within the airport.

Best major airport in Israel, if not the region. Honestly a delight to see all the art and architecture. Make sure to get Aroma!