During the 80s, passenger traffic at the airport increased, the terminal building was expanded, a new control tower was built and the communications and RADAR installations were improved. During those years, a number of varied events were held at the airport, (aviation exhibition, May 1987, May 1992, world aircraft rally, September 1986). Israel's air links were expanded, with direct flights from new destinations, including Egypt (March 1980). In honor of the 50^th anniversary of aviation activities at the airport, a central assembly was held and a stamp was issued in collaboration with the Postal services (July 1986).