Flights to Greece from Israel: Terminal 1 or Terminal 3?
Since Terminal 1 reopened for international flights, some flights to Greece leave from it. Here is how to know where yours departs.
- The terminal is set per flight, not only per airline, and can change between seasons.
- From August 2025 El Al, Arkia and Israir ran some flights from Terminal 1, and Sun d'Or moved most flights there, including to Greek destinations.
- The safe way: your ticket, the airline app and the Israel Airports Authority flight board on the day.
Before any flight to Greece, check the terminal on the day of travel. Going to the wrong one costs precious time, as moving between Terminals 1 and 3 needs a shuttle.
Which terminal do flights to Greece leave from?
Ben Gurion has two terminals for international flights: the large Terminal 3, and Terminal 1, which used to serve mainly domestic flights and low-cost carriers. Terminal 1 is back in use for international flights, so many flights to Greece may leave from it. There is no fixed rule: the terminal is assigned per flight and can change between seasons and even between days.
What we know about the Israeli airlines
According to an ice report of 3 August 2025, when Terminal 1 reopened for international flights, El Al, Arkia and Israir were the first airlines to operate from it. Sun d'Or, El Al's subsidiary, then moved most of its flights back to Terminal 1, including to Greek destinations: Heraklion, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Lefkada. The same report said flights to some other destinations, among them Kefalonia, would continue from Terminal 3.
Earlier, in March 2025, ynetnews described Terminal 1 as Ben Gurion's low-cost terminal, with airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair. Things change, so do not rely on a rule of thumb.
How to check for sure
| Where to check | What you see |
|---|---|
| Your ticket or airline email | Sometimes shows the terminal, but it can change |
| The airline's app or website | Flight status on the day |
| Israel Airports Authority flight board | Flight number, time and terminal in real time |
| SMS from the airline | Some airlines send an update before the flight |
Check again on the morning of the flight, especially at busy times such as Passover, Sukkot and summer.
Tips for peak-season flights to Greece
- Passover and Sukkot: flights to Greece fill early. Arrive when the airline advises, and earlier in busy seasons.
- Switching terminals: if you reach the wrong terminal there is a shuttle between Terminals 1 and 3, but it takes time.
- Parking and transport: check which terminal to drive or take a taxi to, as the car parks differ.
- After landing: getting from Athens airport to the city is covered in our Athens airport to city centre guide.
All destinations, airlines and direct flights to Greece are on our flights to Greece page.
FAQ
Do Arkia flights to Greece leave from Terminal 1? Some Arkia flights have used Terminal 1 since August 2025, but not necessarily all of them. Check by flight number.
Which terminal do Sun d'Or flights to Greece use? According to the August 2025 report, most Sun d'Or flights, including to Greek destinations, moved to Terminal 1. Confirm on the day.
Can I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3? Yes, there is a shuttle between the terminals, but leave time for it.
Can the terminal change after I book? Yes. That is why you check again close to the flight in the airline app or on the flight board.
