Israel's Ben Gurion Airport to halt operations ahead of Trump’s visit

Ben Gurion International Airport will be closed to private and cargo aircraft on Monday due to the upcoming visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Israel, a source in the local air traffic control circles said.

“According to the airport authorities, from 03:00 to 11:00 UTC, the landing of private aircraft and general aviation planes at Tel Aviv Airport will be prohibited, and the ban on cargo aircraft arrivals will remain in effect until 13:00 UTC,” the source said, TASS reported.

He added that the notice has been communicated to all airspace users in the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump's first post-reelection Middle East trip—October 13-15, 2025—includes a high-security Israel leg to celebrate the October 10 Gaza ceasefire (his 20-point plan: hostage swaps, withdrawals, aid) and address the Knesset on "lasting peace." Accompanied by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the visit follows Phase 1 progress (12 hostages freed October 11) and the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, but amid risks from Hezbollah/Iranian retaliation.

By Khagan Isayev