Jerusalem International Airport

Jerusalem, IL 🇮🇱 Closed Airport

ICAO

IL-0023

IATA

Elevation

2485 ft

Region

IL-JM

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 31.866547° N, 35.217223° E

Continent: AS

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: Palestine West Bank Atarot Airport LLJR OJJR JRS

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

It's important to clarify that Jerusalem International Airport (IL-0023) is not an active international airport. The main international gateway for travelers to Jerusalem and the rest of Israel is Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem. Recent traveler sentiment at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is quite mixed, with many praising its efficiency and modern facilities, while a significant number express frustration, primarily concerning security and immigration procedures.

What Travelers Love

World-Class Security: Ben Gurion Airport is widely recognized as one of the most secure airports globally, employing sophisticated screening procedures and multiple layers of protection.
Modern Facilities and Cleanliness: Terminal 3, the main international terminal, is described as clean, spacious, and well-maintained, offering a good range of facilities, including diverse shops and dining options. Terminal 1, used for domestic and low-cost international flights, is also noted for being clean and functional.
Efficient Processes (at times): Many travelers report quick check-in processes and well-organized security lines, contributing to a stress-free experience. Free Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable.
Excellent Transportation Connections: A high-speed rail service conveniently connects the airport to Jerusalem (around 25 minutes) and Tel Aviv. Sheruts (shared taxis), regular taxis, inter-city buses, and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Common Complaints

Excessive Security Wait Times and Intrusive Checks: Frequent and significant complaints revolve around very long queues at passport control and during detailed security screenings, which can add substantial time to both arrival and departure. Some travelers, particularly non-Israeli citizens, report feeling subjected to "interrogations" with personal and repetitive questioning, extensive baggage searches, and sometimes invasive body checks, leading to feelings of being treated like criminals.
Rude and Disrespectful Staff: Numerous reviews highlight instances of unpleasant, arrogant, or rude behavior from security and immigration personnel. There are reports of staff raising voices and showing a lack of humanity or care.
Congestion and Limited Seating: Despite spacious areas, some travelers have experienced crowded conditions and a lack of available seating, especially during peak times, forcing them to sit on the floor.
Automated Immigration for Israeli Citizens Only: The benefit of automated passport control is largely limited to Israeli citizens, which can exacerbate wait times for international visitors.
Impact of Regional Conflicts: Recent regional conflicts have caused operational challenges and flight disruptions, with many international airlines adjusting or suspending services, affecting travel plans.

Overall, Ben Gurion International Airport is highly praised for its security and modern infrastructure, making it a generally functional hub. However, potential travelers should be prepared for extended wait times and rigorous security procedures, which can sometimes be perceived as intrusive or handled unprofessionally by certain staff members. Planning ample time for security and immigration, particularly during peak periods, is strongly advised.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`12/30`	6447 ft	148 ft	ASP	Active Lighted

Type	Description	Frequency
ATIS	ATIS	`132.65 MHz`
TWR	TWR	`118.8 MHz`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency
`IRM`	Jerusalem	NDB	`336 kHz`

Airport Closure Information

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Closure Date

The airport ceased all civilian operations in October 2000, following the outbreak of the Second Intifada. It was officially handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shortly thereafter and has remained closed to the public since.

Reason for Closure

The closure was a direct result of the security situation during the Second Intifada. The airport's location, immediately adjacent to the Palestinian neighborhoods of Kafr Aqab and Qalandia, and near the city of Ramallah, placed it within range of hostile fire. The risk to civilian aircraft, passengers, and staff was deemed unacceptably high, making continued operations untenable. The facility was subsequently converted to a military base.

Current Status

The site is no longer an airport. The former terminal building is derelict and abandoned. A significant portion of the airport grounds is used as an IDF military base. The Israeli West Bank barrier runs along the eastern perimeter of the former airport, separating it from the adjacent Palestinian neighborhood of Kafr Aqab. The surrounding area has been developed into the Atarot Industrial Zone, one of the largest in Jerusalem. The runway, while largely intact, is unused for aviation and has been used for various events, including car races and driver training.

Historical Significance

Jerusalem International Airport, also known as Atarot Airport or Kalandia Airport, has a rich and complex history.

- **British Mandate Era (1924-1948):** It was established by the British authorities in 1924 as the first airport in Mandatory Palestine. It initially served the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was also used for prominent international visitors.

- **Jordanian Rule (1948-1967):** After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the airport fell under Jordanian control and was renamed Kalandia Airport. It was assigned the ICAO code OJJR and served as the primary airport for the Jordanian-annexed West Bank, with carriers like Royal Jordanian Airlines operating flights to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, and other regional destinations.

- **Israeli Rule (1967-2000):** Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured the airport, annexed the area into the Jerusalem municipality, and renamed it Atarot Airport. It was assigned the ICAO code LLJR and the IATA code JRS. It primarily functioned as a domestic airport, with regular flights by Arkia and El Al to Eilat and Haifa. It also handled international charter flights, private VIP aircraft, and visits by foreign heads of state. The user-provided ICAO code, IL-0023, is a non-standard, post-closure designation used in some Israeli databases, not its official operational code.

Reopening Prospects

The prospects for reopening the site as an airport are effectively zero. The land has been rezoned for other purposes. In 2021, the Israeli government gave final approval for a plan to build a new residential neighborhood (settlement) of approximately 9,000 housing units on the grounds of the former airport. This major construction project, known as the Atarot settlement plan, permanently repurposes the land, making any future aviation use impossible. The political and security realities of the location also preclude any realistic chance of it ever serving as an airport again.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.