A new runway was inaugurated in Ben-Gurion International Airport on Thursday, 29 Iyar 5774. The ceremony marked the end of the four year project that carried a 1 billion shekel price tag.

Runway 21 is now operational and Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz told participants in the launching ceremony that the launch of the newest runway and rehabilitation of older ones marks the end of the multi year project. The minister stated the new reality at Ben-Gurion permits the airport to accommodate additional travelers in added safety.

Israel Airports Authority officials report the 1 billion NIS project included paving 22km (13.6 miles) of runway and over 1.5 million tons of pavement was used. The project also included installing 1 million meters of runway lights, 50,000 meters of power cabling and 10,000 light fixtures.

Minister Katz stated in his remarks that the airport can now accommodate more incoming and outgoing flights.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)