Israel Airports Authority

Profile narrative

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) is the state entity tasked with the overall management of Israel's civil aviation infrastructure. It operates Ben Gurion International Airport, which serves as the nation's primary international gateway handling the majority of inbound and outbound passenger and cargo flights. In addition to Ben Gurion, the authority oversees a network of regional airports that support domestic travel, general aviation, and specialized missions such as humanitarian aid and military logistics. IAA provides continuous air traffic control services, directing aircraft movements within Israeli-controlled airspace and coordinating with neighboring flight information regions to ensure seamless cross‑border operations. The organization manages all aspects of airport facilities, including terminal building operations, passenger screening, baggage handling, apron management, and ground support equipment maintenance. It also oversees cargo terminals, warehousing, and logistics services that facilitate the import and export of goods by air. Safety and security functions are embedded in its operations, with IAA implementing access control, perimeter protection, and emergency response protocols across its airports. Furthermore, the authority is responsible for airport planning, development, and modernization projects, working with airlines, international aviation bodies, and government agencies to expand capacity and improve service quality. Through these activities, IAA serves a broad market that includes scheduled airlines, charter operators, private pilots, freight forwarders, and government agencies reliant on air transport.

Beyond its operational remit, the Israel Airports Authority fulfills a regulatory function, establishing and enforcing safety, security, and environmental standards for all civil aviation activities within the country. The authority holds a unique position as the sole body that combines service provision with oversight, allowing it to align operational practices with regulatory requirements in a coordinated manner. A notable distinguishing attribute is IAA’s dedicated aviation cybersecurity initiative, which has been operational since 2017 and focuses on safeguarding critical aviation systems against digital threats. This initiative conducts threat research, engages in international information sharing, and delivers specialized training for personnel tasked with monitoring and defending airport networks, air traffic control systems, and navigation aids. The effectiveness of this program was evident during the 2020 cyberattack campaign that targeted Israeli aviation infrastructure, where coordinated national defenses, bolstered by IAA’s cybersecurity measures, successfully repelled over 800 malicious attempts. Additionally, IAA’s role in managing GPS‑dependent operations was highlighted by the 2019 spoofing incident at Ben Gurion, where the authority relied on alternative landing systems to maintain safety despite signal disruptions. By integrating operational management, regulatory oversight, and specialized cybersecurity capabilities, the Israel Airports Authority functions as a comprehensive authority responsible for the resilience and advancement of Israel’s civil aviation sector.

Incidents

3 incidents linked to this organisation.