Tourism Ministry officials are working to expand the working hours of Ben-Gurion International Airport, happily reporting the steady increase in tourism demands expanded operating hours to permit more flights to take off and land daily. While the announcement is welcomed by the tourism industry, residents in the area of the airport will undoubtedly not receive the news with joy, realizing the noise in neighborhoods near the airport will continue during the wee hours of the night. At present, there are laws prohibiting commercial airplane traffic during certain hours.

According to ministry officials, 2.3 million people visited Israel in 2007, representing a 25% increase from 2006. During the first quarter of 2008, 648,000 visitors arrived, representing a 44% increase as compared to the first quarter of 2007. Almost 80,000 visitors arrived during Pesach.

Ministry officials expect a 20% increase during the summer months compared to July and August 2007, reporting an anticipated 500,000 people will visit during that time. An additional 550,000 visitors are expected during the holiday season, October and November.

According to minister Director-General Shaul Tzemach, who is conducting meetings with Civil Aviation Authority officials and representatives of airlines in preparation for 2009, there is an increase in requests by airlines to add flights which will result in more available seats to Israel. Tzemach added that some European airports do not operate at night, a reality that would free some planes for additional flights during the expanded nighttime hours. He stated increased operating hours and more flights would also bring the price of tickets down. In addition, a 20% increase in tourism translates to tens of millions of dollars for the economy.

Tzemach also promises that airlines operating at night would be compelled to use quieter planes, adding they are also safer, stressing the ministry is aware of the issues impacting residents of neighborhoods around the airport.

Tzemach is hopeful to enlist the support of other agencies and airlines, planning to bring the matter before the government for approval as soon as possible.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)