Israel develops system to keep Ben-Gurion Airport operating during missile threats

Israeli authorities have completed a coordinated plan designed to keep Ben-Gurion Airport operational even during future missile and drone attacks, according to Israeli officials.

The Transportation Ministry, the Israel Airports Authority and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have finalised a series of procedures, coordination mechanisms and an advanced command-and-control system intended to allow Israel's main international airport to continue functioning under heightened security threats, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

According to military officials, the system creates precise windows for aircraft take-offs and landings by synchronising real-time threat monitoring, air traffic management and the operations of Israel's air defence systems.

Based on the latest security assessments, pilots may be instructed to remain on the ground or continue circling before receiving clearance to land. Officials said the approach is designed to avoid shutting down the country's primary air transport hub during periods of missile or drone attacks.

The system draws on the operational experience of pilots employed by Israeli civilian airlines, many of whom have served or continue to serve as reserve pilots in the IDF, officials said, adding that this enhances coordination between civilian aviation and the military.