All shops at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport have been closed since 15 March.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has vowed to gradually re-open duty free stores at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport, as part of its ‘return to operation’ plan. The formulation of this plan follows the easing of the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in the country.

Duty free retailers will be instructed to work with pre-order apps and comply with Israel’s new Purple Badge standard for workplaces. Introduced on 19 April, the Purple Badge standard includes protective guidelines, which stores and workplaces must adhere to in order to trade.

The McDonalds restaurant at Terminal 3 will also reopen next week. The restaurant will allow orders via mobile app and at kiosks (from distance) to be collected at the counter.

As reported, all shops have been closed at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport since 15 March, except a few small food and beverage outlets. Yesterday (13 May), this publication revealed Terminal 1 will remain closed until at least the end of next year.

Terminal 1, which has been closed since March due to reduced traffic as a result of the pandemic, only reopened for arriving and departing domestic and international passengers in 2017.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS MOVE TO TERMINAL 3

It was previously used for domestic flights following the opening of the new Terminal 3 in 2004 and later for check-in, border control and security for international flights. All international operations will now move to Terminal 3.

JR/Duty Free is the incumbent duty free operator at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport in partnership with German family-owned company Gebr. Heinemann.

Moving forward, IAA is hoping to create a ‘Corona free Zone’ at the airport. This will be achieved through the airport operator’s own series of protective measures, which it hopes will enable safe flying and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Currently, there is no confirmed date for the return to full operations at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion, which remains operational for certain domestic and international flights. Multiple local media reports, however, are mooting 1 June 2020 as a possible re-start date.

This date seems feasible considering the 14-day quarantine period for arriving Israeli citizens has been extended until 30 May 2020. Foreigners remain unable to enter the country and passenger flights operated by Israel’s national carrier El Al are suspended until 30 May.

Seating in gate and dining areas, as well as workstations have been reduced in accordance with social distancing rules. Source: Israel Airports Authority.

Shmuel Zakay, Managing Director, Ben Gurion International Airport said: “We attach great importance to preventing the spread of sickness and enabling employees and passengers to maintain a high level of health and safety when arriving at the airport and returning from abroad.”

The resumption of international flights to and from Israel is a part of the country’s exit strategy from the Covid-19 pandemic.

An IAA Spokesperson said: “The resumption of flights and the opening of the sky are in the public agenda. Aviation is a major component of the Israeli economy.

“We will apply all guidelines given by the international and Israeli authorities and regulators. These include [and relate to] maintaining social distance, keeping required hygiene rules, protective equipment and wearing face masks at all service points.”

Cleaning robots have been introduced at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Source: Israel Airports Authority.

Airlines wishing to fly back to Israel must operate in accordance with guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health and Civil Aviation Authority. Carriers must also implement various measures to prevent infection.

At Ben Gurion airport itself, outgoing passengers must arrive four hours before departure. Flying passengers will only be permitted to enter the terminal.

Departing passengers must check-in as early as possible from home, or online before entering the terminal. Airline tickets, passports and boarding passes will be checked at the terminal gates. Passengers must wear face masks at all times and undergo temperature checks.

The Spokesperson noted: “Any passenger with a high temperature and fever will not be allowed to enter Ben Gurion International Airport Terminal 3. The person’s airline will be notified accordingly.”

Travellers without printed and/or mobile boarding passes will be able to use Common Use Self Service kiosks to complete the check-in process.

Airline check-in counters will only be used to put hold luggage on planes. Passengers must keep two meters apart when waiting in line. Service points will be disinfected frequently and hand sanitisers will be available.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION PLATFORM

The Spokesperson commented: “We are trying to find a medical examination platform and protocol as part of the departure and arrival passenger processes to and from Israel. This platform involves producing a medical visa/personal medical card, which passengers wishing to fly can present to airlines.”

IAA is also hoping to facilitate testing at the airport entrance for arriving passengers.

“All arriving passengers will be tested, unless they provide evidence of a valid health test (performed the required amount of time before departure) with a negative result. Anyone testing positive, will be unable to enter the terminal and be referred to the Israeli medical authorities,” commented a Senior Airport Official.

Passengers will have their temperatures taken at the entrance to the terminal and after coming off flights. Source: Israel Airports Authority.

The IAA Spokesperson summarised: “We have taken the appropriate measures and steps required in all areas, which can be used in the near future. We are working to adopt all measures throughout the entire airport.

“Security and all other employees who come into contact with passengers and the public will wear face masks at all times. Airline check-in counters will be shielded by a protective barrier. Social distance stickers are pinned to the terminal floor and social distance signs have been placed all over the terminal and on check-in counter displays.

“Cleaning robots have been added, while hand sanitisers have been placed everywhere. Surfaces will be disinfected frequently.”

He concluded: “All Ben Gurion International Airport employees from all companies and entities will be shielded as required with face masks. They will also have to pass a temperature check at the entrance to the airport.”