Runway closure to cause weekly disruptions at Ben Gurion airport

Disruptions are expected at Ben Gurion International Airport every week on Fridays starting July 17 as a runway is slated to close down for renovations costing NIS 20 million, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) said Tuesday.

Works will last for four and a half months in order to facilitate takeoffs and landings, particularly during the winter months.

IAA defended its decision to carry out the works during the summer crush, when air traffic is at its peak, saying resurfacing the runway is required once a decade and workers will work 20 hours a day to limit disruptions.

In order to compensate for the closure, traffic will be diverted to other runways increasing discomfort for adjacent neighborhoods.