The complete guide to accessibility — assistance services, wheelchairs, parking benefits, and rights.
Your Rights According to the Law
The Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law (1998) requires airlines and the Airports Authority to provide equal and accessible service to all passengers: escort and assistance from entering the terminal until exiting the plane at the destination, free wheelchair loan, flying with a personal wheelchair at no extra cost in the cargo hold, and accessible seats — at least 5% of seats with lifting armrests.
Before the Flight — What to Do
1. Notify in advance — you must notify the airline at least 48 hours before the flight under 'Special Assistance'.
2. Arrive early — it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3–4 hours before the scheduled flight time.
3. Prepare documents — bring a disability badge (for parking benefits), medical certificates, and a doctor's letter (for pacemakers/implants).
Wheelchairs & Mobility
Personal wheelchair — you can use your personal wheelchair up to the boarding gate (gate delivery). Transport is at no extra cost. It is recommended to tag the chair with contact details.
Electric wheelchairs & batteries — lithium batteries may be under safety restrictions. It is mandatory to consult with the airline in advance and bring the chair's charger.
Parking and Benefits at Ben Gurion
Short-term parking — up to 5 hours free in all parking lots for disability badge holders.
Long-term parking — not free for disability badge holders: beyond the first 5 hours you pay the lot's regular rates. Blue-badge holders can park in the lot next to Terminal 3 on the same payment terms as the main long-term lot. Parking control: 03-9752550/1 ext. 4. To coordinate: 03-9752550/1 ext. 4.
Accessible shuttles are available from remote parking lots to the terminal and back.
Security Checks and Medical Implants
There is a dedicated lane for passengers needing assistance. In the case of a wheelchair, a manual inspection is performed instead of passing through metal detectors.
Pacemaker / internal implants — present an official hospital certificate (or a letter from your treating physician with the same details) to be checked manually instead of passing through the metal detector. Passengers with metal prosthetics or wheelchairs are inspected manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is assistance service for passengers with disabilities at Ben Gurion free? Yes. The assistance service (escort, wheelchair, disability cart) is provided free of charge under the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law. Request it from the airline at least 48 hours before the flight.
How far in advance should I book assistance at Ben Gurion? At least 48 hours before the flight, through the airline's website/app under 'Special Assistance', or by phone. Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the flight.
Am I allowed to bring a personal wheelchair on the plane? Yes. A wheelchair (manual or electric) is loaded for free in addition to the regular baggage allowance. Electric wheelchairs are carried in the cargo hold. Request 'gate delivery' to get the chair directly at the arrival gate.
What to do if the airline did not provide an accessible service? You can ask for help on the spot at the airline's or ground-handling counter or at the airport information desk, file a complaint with the Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Justice, and in cases of violation of rights, sue for compensation. Keep all documentation and references.