Sde Dov closed on October 22 for renovation work in order to improve safety at the airport. As part of the upgrade at the airport the runway lighting system was replaced, airfield lit signs were installed, runway shoulders were leveled and cleared of obstacles, aircraft parking area was resurfaced and the runway was marked and painted as new.

The cost of the project is estimated at 4 million NIS. It was executed by the Israel Airports Authority and jointly financed by the IAA and Air Force.

When the airport closed the domestic flights were shifted to Ben-Gurion Airport's Terminal 1.

Starting Saturday night, December 13, first domestic flight landings will be allowed at the airport. When the airport fully operates on Sunday, December 14, approximately 60 aircraft movements in domestic flights are expected.

The IAA Director General Mr. Kobi Mor said that "The renovation work at Sde Dov improves the safety level at the airport, through which pass approximately 750 thousand passengers a year".