Israeli Airports Authority reports significant decline in passenger traffic and operational losses in 2024 due to ongoing war
The Israeli aviation sector has suffered losses amounting to 105 million shekels ($28.8 million) in the first nine months of 2024 as a result of the continued genocide in the Gaza Strip.
This information was revealed in a statement by the Israeli Airports Authority on Monday, alongside reports of continued flight cancellations by several Western airlines to and from Tel Aviv, as reported by local channels 13 and 14.
The authority confirmed that it incurred an operational loss of 105 million shekels due to the ongoing war and the reduction of international airline operations.
Data showed that approximately 13.8 million passengers passed through Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport in 2024, a 34% decline compared to 2023.
The statement also noted that expenditures during the first nine months of 2024 dropped by approximately 16% compared to the same period in 2023, totaling about 2.3 billion shekels ($630 million).
Looking ahead, the Airports Authority plans to implement an additional 10% cut in its expenses in 2025.
According to the Israeli aviation website Passport News, the Airports Authority decided to keep rental rates unchanged for 2025, due to decreased activity at Ben Gurion Airport, including the duty-free shops and other tenants.
The site added that the Airports Authority is preparing for the post-war period, anticipating a rise in passenger traffic and the return of foreign airlines to Israel in 2025, while focusing on infrastructure development and improving customer service.
In recent months, dozens of foreign airlines have canceled flights to and from Israel as rocket fire from Lebanon and Yemen increased across the country.
Israel has killed more than 45,500 people in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, and reduced the enclave to rubble.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio
