Accessibility at the Ben Gurion International Airport (BGIA for short) bares resemblance to many public buildings around the world. The semblance is in that concern for accessibility became a genuine consideration for architects of modern airports only in the last two decades – and so BGIA demonstrates the sort of places that initially were inaccessible but then, after some changes, were made accessible.  

The Ben Gurion International airport has 3 terminals. Currently two long-standing terminals are open, while Terminal 3, the newest, is undergoing repairs and will not be available until the year of 2005. Not much is known about terminal 3 yet; upon its opening, its accessibility will be reviewed and this section will be updated.  

Landing in Israel – Upon landing, if you are a wheelchair-user or per request you will be accompanied by a staff member from your seat on the airplane to the passport checking point at the terminal. Hence, you can be escorted to, or, board yourself, an accessible bus with the rest of the passengers. In case the accessible bus is unavailable, a separate vehicle with lift will be provided. You will be taken then to the terminal: don’t forget to check that all your assistive-devices are with you. (Note: if you are using a motorized-wheelchair that was loaded on the airplane, you will need to wait until it will be unloaded and brought to you as soon as possible.) The accompanying staff member should collect your bags and other luggage and lead you out of the terminal past the check-point.  

Accessible transportation - You need to order an accessible transportation in advance because there is not accessible transportation going out of the airport. 

Restrooms - There is an accessible restroom right after you pass the passport checking point and another one at the incoming hall. 

Parking place - There is an accessible part at the parking place for privet cars and accessible side walks. If arriving by public transportation you will find good side walks to the terminal. There is also an accessible van or bus service to the terminal while parking at the long term parking place. 

Groups - By arriving with a group there is a special way out for groups and you have to tell the staff member that accompany you that you are a part of a group and you need to go to the group entrance. 

If you fly El Al – national airlines of Israel you will get special services. See http://www.elal.co.il/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=617  

While leaving Israel – El Al passengers will get a special El Al service at desk no. 35 – The staff of El Al is waiting to assist you 24 hours a day. 

If you go by another airline you will get to your flight desk and will get the assistance for embarking the airplane. 

Try and get to the airport as early as possible, this will give you plenty of time to check in your luggage and any other essential items such as wheelchairs without having to queue.

By contacting the airline in advance, they will be glad to meet you upon your arrival and provide a wheelchair for use throughout their airport.

A standard size, collapsible wheelchair with dry/wet batteries (if electric) will be carried for free and should not be taken to constitute part of your luggage allowance.

It is a good idea to supply assembly instructions with the chair in the instance that it will be necessary to dismantle your wheelchair. This may be case if your chair is battery operated.

Pending security checks, you will be able to carry on physical aids such as crutches, braces and canes as part of your hand luggage, though for the duration of the flight these must be stowed in the cabin for safety purposes.

You should always make sure that you carry all medication for your trip as part of your hand luggage, along with any relevant medical documents. Asthmatics and diabetics should also be particularly careful to ensure that insulin and inhalers are carried as hand luggage.   

Security screening - Security screening for disabled travelers can be require more time than the average traveler. All disabled travelers must undergo the same level of security checks as an able bodied traveler.

Naturally, if you are able to pass through the security metal detectors without activating it then no additional provisions will be required.

Security concerns tend to be that an assistive device, such as a wheelchair could be concealing a weapon or narcotics.

The easiest way for security to search a traveler unable to pass through the security metal detector is to carry a hand held detector over the individual.

Passing through a security point, as a disabled traveler need not be a problem, the only concern is that to pass through the check point wheelchairs or walking canes will inevitably set the detector off, leading to a requisite second security test to ensure that no prohibited goods are being concealed.

Like many aspects of flying with a disability, simply allow a little more time to pass through security.   

By: Eli Meiri – Israel for All