Overview
- The decision designates Ziklag in the northern Negev as the southern supplementary international airport instead of Nevatim.
- Officials positioned the project as a catalyst for Negev development, highlighting jobs, tourism and future road and rail links.
- Planning for a second civilian international airport at Ramat David in the north will proceed in parallel with Ziklag.
- Government statements warned of a potential flight supply shortfall and higher prices without new airports, citing Ben Gurion’s roughly 40 million passenger ceiling.
- Previous estimates placed Ziklag’s cost near NIS 7 billion, while critics flagged IDF airspace coordination, infrastructure gaps and proximity to Gaza as challenges to resolve.