Gabi Ofir, IAA CEO: 2006 established the position of Ben Gurion International Airport as one of the best airports in the world. The Israel Airports Authority will continue to serve the traveling public with courtesy, efficiency and security, while expanding services provided to passengers in both Ben Gurion Airport and the domestic airports

A rise of 3.66 percent was recorded in the number of passengers going through Ben Gurion International Airport in 2006, compared to 2005. 8,816,246 people passed through Terminal 3 in the past year, and compared to 2004, when Terminal 3 was opened, this is an impressive growth of 15.03 percent in passenger traffic.

The number of passengers entering the country in the past year totaled 4,398,232, an increase of 3.6 percent compared with 2005. The number of departing passengers increased by 3.7 percent and totaled 4,418,014.

The number of aircraft entering and leaving the country in 2006 showed a growth of 8.82 percent compared with 2005, and totaled 67,766 takeoffs and landings. Compared to 2004, an increase of 14.49 percent in aircraft traffic was registered.

The main destinations of arriving and departing flights in 2006 were: the U.S., Turkey, France, Germany and the UK.

The airlines with the largest volume of activity have been: El Al, with 40.6 percent of flights; Lufthansa with 4.16 percent, Continental – 3.96 percent, Israir – 3.85 percent, and Arkia with 3.83 percent of the total volume of activity.

Gabi Ofir, Israel Airports Authority CEO:  2006 continued the trend of growth in passenger traffic, while maintaining high standards of passenger service. At the same time, passengers traveling abroad from Israel enjoy a very low passenger fee compared with similar airports in the world, along with advanced services provided to both passengers and accompanying persons at Terminal 3. The Israel Airports Authority will continue to serve its traveling public with courtesy, efficiency and security. All this, while expanding the variety of services provided to both passengers and visitors.

The IAA expects the trend of growth in passenger traffic to continue in 2007.