Map of runways and the pattern of operation in Ben Gurion Airport

In Ben Gurion Airport there are three runways for takeoff and landing:

The long runway (26-08) from the north-east to the south-west is approved for a length of about 4480 meters, and is now the main takeoff runway of the airport.  Landings on this runway are restricted to situations where there are restrictions on use of other runways.

Runway 30-12, from south-east to north-west, is approved for a length of 3426 m. and is currently and will continue to be the main takeoff and landing runway.

Runway 21-03 with a final length of 2780 m. is intended mainly for future landings of flights from the north.  Its advantage is that its availability, in terms of wind conditions, is more than 95% of the time.  It is designed to be the secondary landing runway.

In addition to the main runways, there are existing and planned taxiways and high speed exits, designed for quick evacuation of the takeoff and landing runway, and thus increasing operating capacity of the airport.  Taxiways link the different parts of the runway system with the aircraft parking aprons.  The parking aprons are used for passenger embarkation and disembarkation, loading and unloading cargo, maintenance and parking.

The preferred operational pattern

National Master Plan 2/4 is based on three central operating patterns for Ben Gurion Airport.  Each operating pattern is derived from traffic load, weather conditions and assuring maximum flight safety.

When the wind is westerly, the operating model involves takeoffs from runway 30 to the west and landings on runway 30 into the wind.  When the wind is not a factor, landings will be on runway 12 and takeoffs on runways 26 and 30.

The third operating model, intended for peak hours, involves landings on runway 21 for aircraft with up to 3 engines, landings on runway 30 for aircraft with more then 3 engines, and takeoffs from runways 26 and 30.  This operating model will be implemented when the northerly entrance path is arranged and runway 21-03 is extended.

For all three operating models, the flight tracks after takeoff are the same.

It should be noted that in accordance with the provisions of the National Master Plan, the airport can be operated according to any other pattern in safety emergencies, in restricted weather conditions, in cases of emergency or distress on the plane, or if any runways or navigational aids or control systems are out of order.