Natbag aka Ben Gurion Airport, commonly known by its Hebrew abbreviation, is the busiest aerodrome in Israel and the region. The airport is located on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, approximately 45 km northwest of Jerusalem and 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv.
Originally named Lod Airport, the airport was renamed after Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion in 1973 and took its current name. The aerodrome serves as a hub and is operated by El Al, Israel Airlines, Arkia.
The airport is considered as one of the five best airports in the Middle East due to its passenger experience and high security level. Security forces such as Israeli Police officers, IDF and Israeli Border Police soldiers are deployed throughout the airport. Although the airport has been the target of several terrorist attacks, no attempt to hijack a plane departing from Ben Gurion airport has been successful.
The aerodrome is strategically important to Israel as it is one of the few convenient entry points into the country for most travelers. Due to its location, Ben Gurion is one of the airports most preferred by private jet charter services in Israel.
Tel Aviv private jet charter prices
Although Israel air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Tel Aviv are as follows.
| Light Jet | 15.450 EUR |
| Midsize Jet | 17.800 EUR |
| Heavy Jet | 26.600 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport
The aerodrome was first established as an airstrip consisting of two unpaved runways on the outskirts of the town of Lydda (now the city of Lod) near Wilhelma’s Templer colony during the British Mandate of Palestine. During the World War II, Imperial Airways and later British Overseas Airways Corporation continued to serve Lydda until the fall of France in June 1940.
After the war, the name of the airport was changed to “RAF Station Lydda” and it continued to serve as an important airport for military air transport and aircraft ferry operations between military bases in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South/Southeast Asia. While the airport remained under British control until 1948, the British government decided to withdraw from the airport in 48.
Israeli Defense Forces soldiers seized the airport in Operation Danny on July 10, 1948 and left the control to the newly declared State of Israel. After Israel took over the airport, it changed its name to Lod Airport. The airport, which was named as Lod Airport until 1973, was renamed as Ben Gurion International Airport to honor David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel who died that year.
In the 1980s and 90s, the capacity of the existing facilities began to be insufficient due to reasons such as the intensity of international business travel and the increase in tourism flights. As a result of these experiences, a new terminal with the latest technology was designed, but the project could not be realized. The decision to continue the project was made in January 1994, but the new terminal, known as Terminal 3, was only able to open its doors ten years later, on November 2, 2004.
A new terminal building was added to the facilities in 1999, but this building was never officially opened, it was only used as a terminal for passengers from Asia during the SARS epidemic.
How is life in Tel Aviv? Where to visit?
Tel Aviv, the second largest city in Israel, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Tel Aviv has many places to visit with its parks, streets, architecture, museums, old quarters and beaches.
The Jewish Museum, Azrieli Observatory, White City, Old Jaffa Port City and Rothschild Street are among the places where tourists are most interested.
How to reach Tel Aviv from Ben Gurion?
It is possible to reach Airport City by using the Egged 5 bus, which departs from the three-storey bridge on the second floor of the airport. You can take one of the buses numbered 249, 423, 475, 930 or 950 to reach the city center by transferring from here.
There are many car rental services available at the airport. It is among the alternatives to reach the city on the trains located near Terminal 3 and departing every 15 minutes. However, since the stations of these trains are located outside Tel Aviv, it is necessary to take a bus or taxi from the station to reach the city.
Passengers who rent a private car or want to travel with their own vehicles can reach by passing from highway no. 1 to highway no. 20.
