A challenging year with tremendous success • Meir Cohen, Director of Haifa Airport

(haipo) A year of war, an airport in motion and a vision that soars forward. Haifa Airport concludes 2025 with impressive passenger figures, the entry of new airlines, infrastructure upgrades and a service experience that positions it as a unique boutique airport in Israel. In an interview with the airport's manager, Meir Cohen, he talks about dealing with security challenges, the successes of the past year and the significant steps already planned for 2026, from expanding operations to huge projects that will change the face of the airport.

Meir Cohen, Director of Haifa Airport, in a special interview with Haifa

The year 2025 opened in the shadow of a particularly complex security reality. “We started the previous year with a war, and we continued this year with an even bigger war in the north, against Iran. A significant challenge for the airport’s operations,” says Meir Cohen, director of Haifa Airport. Despite this, the airport not only continued to operate but accelerated forward.

One of the key turning points was the introduction of Haifa Air Company, which began operating flights at the end of December 2024, in accordance with the original pre-war planning. During 2025, routes were operated to popular destinations such as Athens, Larnaca, Paphos and Rhodes, and later additional destinations were added, including Sofia and Bulgaria.

At the same time, the Airports Authority has invested in developing the airport's infrastructure. As early as 2024, the runway renovation was completed, allowing for full operation during 2025. During the year, the central extension in front of the terminal was also upgraded, a move that required the temporary use of bus transportation for passengers, not always convenient, but necessary. “Our goal is to maintain a boutique airport,” emphasizes Cohen, “one where the passenger gets from the parking lot to the plane in a short time, without unnecessary queues and without awkwardness.”

The numbers speak for themselves

Since the beginning of the year, about 180 passengers have passed through the airport, on international flights, and another 40 passengers on domestic flights to Ramon Airport in Eilat. This is a significant contribution to connectivity between the south, center, and north, a goal that the Ministry of Transportation has made a top priority. If we add to this the activity of flights to the drilling rigs, which are all carried out from Haifa Airport, the total number of users reaches about 300 people.

Upgrading the passenger experience

During 2025, a new duty-free area will open at the airport, for the benefit of passengers on international flights, a significant innovation that enhances the experience of going abroad. At the same time, the cafeteria underwent a comprehensive renovation and was reactivated by the Palpelat company, serving both domestic and international passengers.

The upgrades didn't stop there. Drink machines, shade and rain shelters, and other accessibility improvements were added. "We're constantly receiving feedback and, on a personal level, a lot of positive opinions," says Cohen. "People enjoy the service, the speed, and the atmosphere."

It is important to emphasize that duty free is intended for passengers on international flights only, not for domestic flights.

Looking to 2026 – Expansion, New Parking Lot, and Preparations for Track Extension

If 2025 was a year of consolidation, 2026 is expected to be a leap year. One of the main projects is the construction of a new regulated parking lot, in coordination with the Haifa Municipality. According to the plan, by June 2026, or at the latest in the third quarter, a parking lot with approximately 800 parking spaces will be available to passengers.

When asked by “Live Here” whether a fee will be charged for parking, Cohen replied honestly: “I don’t know of a modern, regulated parking lot that doesn’t charge money. It’s not to make a profit, but to maintain the parking lot and all for the public’s benefit.”

At the same time, the Airports Authority is already investing significant resources in planning the areas we shared with the evacuation of the technical school in 2027. In addition, plans are progressing to extend the runway, an expensive and complex national project that also includes road subsidence.

“As soon as the budget is approved, we can begin implementation,” says Cohen. “I believe that within about three years, with all the approvals, the runway will be extended and airlines will be able to operate jet aircraft and reach further destinations.”

Not just Air Haifa – an open gateway to the north

Alongside Air Haifa's operations, the airport is open to any airline that wishes to operate from it, subject to the required safety checks. "We are in favor of any destination that a company presents that can be safely flown to," explains Cohen. The data shows that not only residents of the north use the airport. Passengers also arrive from Netanya, Kfar Saba and other areas, thanks to short and efficient processes. On international flights, passengers are asked to arrive about an hour and a half before takeoff and within about 20 minutes they can enjoy duty-free shopping.

The airport also contributes to the local economy: Air Haifa's activities, the service companies, security, and airport operations generate employment for approximately 150 workers, with potential for further expansion.

A boutique field with a big vision

Haifa Airport is concluding a challenging but extremely successful year, a year in which it returned to the status of a significant aviation gateway to the north. With upgraded infrastructure, meticulous service, impressive passenger numbers and clear plans for the future, the airport is positioning itself as a convenient, fast and attractive alternative to Ben Gurion Airport.

“It’s easier to fly from Haifa,” Cohen concludes. “We are a boutique airport with a good travel experience, short check-in and check-out processes, and flights that will continue to expand. Fly from Haifa.”