The Airports Council International (ACI) today (Wednesday, March 10, 2009) published its ranking of the leading airports in the satisfaction survey for 2008. Ben-Gurion Airport was placed first in airport rankings in the Middle East, and second in world rankings of airports with an annual volume of 5-15 million passengers (from among the airports surveyed by the organization).

The ranking is based on the results of some 200,000 satisfaction questionnaires covering more than 30 different elements, which were completed by passengers in 108 airports throughout the world in 2008. The survey directly examines passengers' assessments of 30 elements in the process from flight check-in to arrival at the flight-boarding gate.

This is the second consecutive year that Ben-Gurion Airport was ranked first in the Middle East and second in the 5-15 million passenger category in the world.  This important ranking of the Airports Council International joins many other international rankings in which Ben-Gurion Airport has achieved the highest placings worldwide.

As part of the Israel Airports Authority's policy of constant improvement, the Authority’s Council allocated 3.7 billion shekels in the past year to be invested in safety, security, and passenger service. In 2008, a record number of passengers passed through Ben-Gurion Airport – more than 11 million.

IAA Director General, Kobi Mor said: “It is a compliment to be placed first in this important international ranking. 2008 was a record activity year at Ben-Gurion Airport. Even during peak days with some 60,000 passengers, we did everything to ensure that the passengers' flight experience was as pleasant as possible. The scope of investment and the large-scale projects that the Authority plans to execute in its installations in the areas of safety, security and passenger service will tremendously improve the flight experience.”