Overview of Jerusalem International Airport and Its Role in Palestinian Aviation

In the early years of the second intifada, two significant airports in Palestine, Jerusalem International Airport and Gaza International Airport, were destroyed by Israeli forces. This destruction marked a pivotal moment in Palestinian aviation, as it left the region without any operational airports. Prior to this, Palestinians relied on these airports for international travel, but since their closure, they have had to use airports in neighboring countries and Israel, such as Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport in Israel, as well as Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. The absence of operational airports has severely impacted the mobility of Palestinians, limiting their ability to travel freely and connect with the outside world. Over the years, various proposals have emerged from both governmental and private sectors to establish new airports within Palestinian territories, aiming to restore a sense of autonomy and improve transportation infrastructure. However, these proposals have yet to materialize into concrete plans, leaving the Palestinian aviation sector in a state of stagnation.