European Airport Delays: What Israel Travelers Need to Know

Planning to fly to Israel through Europe? You’ll want to know about the massive delays currently hitting European airports, particularly in Budapest. Passport control has become a major bottleneck, creating unusually long lines and heavy congestion that could impact your travel plans.

If you’re connecting through European airports on your way to Ben Gurion, here’s what we recommend: Build in extra buffer time between flights – at least 3-4 hours for international connections instead of the usual 2 hours. Budapest airport is experiencing the worst delays, so consider alternative routing through Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris if possible.

Check with your airline about potential delays before heading to the airport, and consider arriving at your departure airport earlier than usual. Many travelers have been caught off guard by these extended wait times, and missing your connection could mean losing a day of your Israel vacation.

The good news? Once you reach Ben Gurion Airport, entry procedures are typically smooth and efficient. But getting there might take a bit more patience than usual if you’re routing through Europe.