Ramon Airport Still Closed to Civilian Flights Despite Safety

Planning a trip to Eilat? You might wonder why you can’t fly directly into Ramon Airport, the modern international airport built right near Israel’s resort city. Here’s the situation that affects your travel plans.

Transport Minister Miri Regev recently revealed that Ramon Airport – fully equipped as an international airport – remains closed to civilian flights despite being considered safer than Ben Gurion Airport for takeoffs and landings. The reason? Military approval is required, and the Chief of Staff hasn’t given the green light yet.

This means travelers to Eilat still need to fly into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, then take a domestic flight, drive, or bus about 4 hours south to reach Eilat and the Red Sea resorts. While this adds travel time to your itinerary, the drive through the Negev Desert offers spectacular scenery that many visitors actually enjoy.

We’ll keep you updated on any changes to Ramon Airport’s status. For now, factor in that extra travel time when planning your Eilat getaway, and consider it an opportunity to see more of Israel’s diverse landscapes.