One of the favorite moments for Israelis just before they take off on another fun trip abroad is to sit down with a cup of coffee and a croissant after shopping at the duty free or enjoying a meal at one of the food outlets at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
Video: Tourists arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport
For many travelers, this can amount to a significant expense before their vacation even begins, as airport food prices are much higher than those at chain outlets across the country.
An Israel Hayom comparison shows that various food items are more expensive if you buy them at Ben–Gurion International Airport than practically anywhere else in Israel, with the exception of items that are subject to price control: small bottles of mineral water, regular croissants, and more. These price changes can be substantial, starting at 3.3% and reaching over 30% for items not subject to airport deals.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Aroma
At Aroma, a renowned coffee chain in Israel, a small cappuccino will set you back 15 shekels (approximately $4.62 ) at the airport, compared to 12 shekels ($3.12) for those who prefer to sit down or 11 shekels ($2.86) for the budget-conscious who opt for takeout. The difference in price for takeout coffee between the airport and regular branches is a staggering 36.3%.
When it comes to enjoying a cappuccino and a croissant at Ben Gurion Airport, you'll need to dig deeper into your wallet. This combination costs 27 shekels (around $8.31 ) at the airport, while the same items at regular branches cost 31 shekels ($8). That's a disparity of up to 40%. This is because the airport branch doesn't offer such deals and you have to buy each food item separately.
Aroma issued the following statement: "Under the tender terms set by the Israel Airport Authority, the risk associated with the set-up costs, as well as the maintenance and operation costs, is significantly higher and is of a very different nature than any other branch. That is why there are price adjustments."
Burger King and McDonald's
Even visiting fast-food giants like Burger King and McDonald's will make you feel the sharp rise in prices at the airport compared to non-airport branches. A Big Mac meal costs 42 shekels (about $12.96 ), compared to 39 shekels at other branches, representing a 7.6% difference. A McRoyal meal at the airport comes at 52 shekels (approximately $16.05 ), whereas it's 49 shekels ($12.75)elsewhere, marking a 6.1% variance. Families with kids may find themselves paying 29.5 shekels (around $9.10 ) for a Happy Meal, compared to 28 shekels (7.28$) elsewhere, a 5.3% difference.
At Burger King's airport branch, the price disparity is noticeable. A Whopper meal costs 53 shekels (about $16.35 ) at the airport, versus 51 shekels ($13.27) at regular branches, a 3.9% difference. A Double Whopper meal is priced at 62 shekels (approximately $19.13 ) at the airport, compared to 60 shekels ($15.61) elsewhere, a 3.3% variation. Families dining with young ones might find a kids' meal costing 30 shekels (around $9.27 ) at the airport versus 28 shekels ($7.28) elsewhere, representing a 7.1% difference.
McDonald's issued the following statement: "The prices McDonald's offers at the airport are lower than the competitors at the site and we are proud to offer our high-quality cappuccino at the lowest rate in the airport: only 7.5 shekels ($1.95). The prices in the airport are 5% higher than what the chain's menu usually offers and are 50% lower than the gap allowed under the terms of the tender. These prices stem from the high rent at the airport, the cost of operating the premises for 24 hours a day, and the cost of shuttling the employees."
Burger King said the following: "The price difference is just a few shekels, stemming from the costs of operation and maintenance of the premises in the airport, which run 24/7, including on Saturdays, and holidays. That is why the prices there are higher than other branches. The chain will continue to offer the most attractive prices for its customers in all of its branches."
Ilan's and Cafe Cafe
Ilan's, another popular coffee chain, offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking affordable options at Ben Gurion Airport. A small cappuccino at the airport costs 13.7 shekels (approximately $4.23 ), compared to 14 shekels elsewhere, a modest 5.8% difference. Tuna salad at the airport goes for 44 shekels (around $13.58 ), whereas it's 42 shekels elsewhere, a 4.7% discrepancy. A pita with cheese at the airport is priced at 39 shekels (approximately $12.03 ), while it's 36 shekels elsewhere, an 8.3% difference.
Cafe Cafe, found in Terminal 1, surprisingly offers lower prices for select items. A classic toastie at the airport costs 40 shekels (about $12.34 ), significantly less than the 55 shekels ($14.31) charged at other branches. Tuna salad at the airport is 45 shekels (approximately $13.88 ), compared to 68 shekels ($17.69) at branches. Even a cheese bourekas at Ben Gurion Airport is just 17 shekels (around $5.24 ), slightly cheaper than the 18 shekels ($4.68) charged at regular branches. A chocolate pastry at the airport costs 17 shekels (about $5.24 ), compared to 16 shekels ($4.16) at branches.
Ilan's said the following: "The reason for the price disparities is the operating costs at Ben Gurion Airport, which are much higher. For example, employee shuttles for three shifts, which do not exist in other branches, the cost of working night hours, and the like. In fact, the price difference between Ben Gurion Airport and the chain throughout the country was supposed to be at least 10%, but we managed to reduce it even further."
A Lesson in airport economics
The substantial price differences between airport food outlets and their regular counterparts have not gone unnoticed by travelers. With Ben Gurion Airport projected to serve over 25 million passengers this year, the airport is planning to expand its dining areas with a multi-million-shekel investment. The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has issued commercial tenders to attract coffee shops and restaurants to Terminals 1 and 3, aiming to enhance the dining experience for travelers and bridge the price gap.
As these changes take effect, travelers departing from Ben Gurion Airport may soon find more competitive and reasonable prices for their pre-flight meals, alleviating some of the financial burdens of travel.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
