The Israel Airports Authority announced the completion of the renovation of the aircraft parking apron at Haifa Airport, with a total investment of approximately NIS 25 million. The move is part of a comprehensive upgrade plan to adapt the airport to international standards and restore its full international operations.
With the completion of the project, passenger planes resumed operations from the renovated apron adjacent to the terminal – a move that will significantly shorten the time passengers spend getting on and off the plane. During the renovation works, passengers were transported by buses to an alternative parking apron prepared for this purpose.
Haifa Airport is the oldest international airport in Israel and the third largest. The airport was established by the British in 1934 and is located at the eastern entrance to the city of Haifa. Today, it serves as the main base of “Air Haifa,” which operates both international flights and domestic flights to Ramon Airport in Eilat.
In addition, helicopter flights depart from the airport to offshore drilling platforms, as well as private flights to international destinations. In August alone, approximately 3,200 passengers traveled on domestic flights and about 25,000 passengers on approximately 365 international flights – data indicating the increasing activity at the site.
Additional Improvements in the Past Year
This is another step in a series of upgrades carried out by the Israel Airports Authority. Recently, a duty-free store opened at the airport, offering travelers to international destinations a wide range of products, including cosmetics, alcohol, and tobacco products.
About a year ago, the authority completed a comprehensive renovation project for the runway at a cost of approximately NIS 19 million, which included resurfacing, replacing lighting fixtures, and renewed markings to meet international safety standards.
The Transportation Minister and Road Safety, retired Brigadier General Miri Regev, emphasized the strategic significance of the move: “The development of Haifa Airport is part of the national strategy to strengthen the north and make it accessible to the world. We will continue to invest in Israel’s air transport infrastructure, to provide passengers with an advanced service experience and open up convenient and safe flight options for the residents of the north.”
The Director General of the Transportation Ministry, Moshe Ben Zaken, added: “Upgrading the parking apron is another component in preparing Haifa Airport to become a significant player in both international and domestic aviation. The Transportation Ministry will continue to support the Israel Airports Authority in these efforts, for the benefit of the public and the Israeli economy as a whole.”