Sde Dov Airport

Sde Dov Airport, Tel Aviv: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide (2025)

Introduction

Sde Dov Airport, known officially as Dov Hoz Airport, was a key pillar in Tel Aviv’s aviation and urban landscape for over 80 years. From its establishment in 1938 during the British Mandate, it played a pivotal dual role in Israel’s military and civilian aviation history, supporting critical defense operations during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and serving as the primary domestic airport for Tel Aviv. With its strategic location near the city center and Mediterranean coast, Sde Dov became a preferred gateway for business and leisure travelers, connecting Tel Aviv with destinations such as Eilat and Haifa.

Urban growth, however, eventually rendered Sde Dov’s location unsustainable, leading to its closure in 2019 and the start of one of Israel’s largest urban renewal projects on its grounds. This guide offers a thorough overview of Sde Dov Airport’s historical significance, closure, redevelopment, and practical visitor information, including what to expect at the site today, travel alternatives, and the future of the area.

For further reading, see resources from the Israel Airports Authority, Tel Aviv Municipality, and ITN.

Historical Overview: Foundation to Closure
Urban Growth and Redevelopment
Visitor Experience: Then and Now
Access, Transportation, and Tickets
Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Visuals & Media
Sources

Passenger hall of Palestine Airways line at Sde Dov Aerodrome in Tel Aviv

Sde-Dov Aerodrome chart in Tel Aviv Israel detailed aviation map

Aerial view of Sde Dov Airport and Reading Power Station in Tel Aviv, Israel

Main hangar at Dov Hoz Airfield near Tel Aviv with airplanes and personnel

Night cityscape of Tel Aviv with illuminated buildings and streets

Night view of Tel Aviv coastline looking north toward Sde Dov airport

Historical Overview: From Foundation to Closure

Early Years and Strategic Importance

Founded in 1938 and named after aviation pioneer Dov Hoz, Sde Dov Airport began as a modest airfield supporting both civilian and military aviation. It served as a base for the British Royal Air Force and later, the Jewish defense forces. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Sde Dov was vital for reconnaissance and supply flights, supporting besieged Jerusalem and isolated settlements (Israel Airports Authority).

Civilian Expansion

After independence, Sde Dov became Tel Aviv’s main domestic airport, with airlines like Arkia and Israir offering regular flights to Eilat, Haifa, and the north. Its proximity to the city center made it highly accessible, contributing to annual passenger numbers of up to 700,000 (Arkia Airlines, Israir Airlines).

Urban Pressure and Controversy

By the 1980s and 1990s, Tel Aviv’s rapid expansion made Sde Dov’s location a constraint. The airport’s presence limited northward development and generated noise for nearby neighborhoods, prompting heated debates over its future (Tel Aviv Municipality). Balancing heritage and urban needs became a central issue.

Closure and Redevelopment

Despite opposition, the Israeli government finalized plans to close Sde Dov in 2006, with the airport officially ceasing operations on July 1, 2019. The closure freed 750 acres for a landmark redevelopment project, expected to include more than 16,000 housing units, commercial areas, hotels, and public parks (Israel Airports Authority: Sde Dov Closure; Tel Aviv Municipality Urban Planning).

Urban Growth and Redevelopment

Master Plan and Vision

Tel Aviv’s Sde Dov redevelopment (plan TA/4444) is the city’s largest contiguous urban project, transforming the former airport into a vibrant, mixed-use coastal district (S. Aronson Architects). Plans include:

16,000 residential units (2,400 reserved for affordable long-term rentals)
Approximately 1,150 hotel rooms
500,000 square meters of office and retail space
Large public parks and a new seaside promenade
Modern transit connections, including light rail and metro integration

The project’s phased implementation began immediately after the airport’s closure. The area is expected to evolve over decades, with early phases focusing on residential construction (Aharoni Law; Buyitinisrael.com).

The redevelopment is projected to generate over NIS 10 billion in land sales, significantly boosting Tel Aviv’s economy. Affordable housing provisions aim to promote inclusivity, while the plan also addresses longstanding legal disputes by enabling private landowners to realize their property’s value (Aharoni Law).

Visitor Experience: Sde Dov Then and Now

Sde Dov Before Closure

Visiting Hours: Typically 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM for domestic flights (Go-TelAviv)
Tickets: Purchased via Arkia, Israir, or at the airport; last-minute bookings were common
Access: 5–10 minutes by taxi from city center; Dan bus lines 189 and 289 served the airport (TripIndicator)
Facilities: Compact terminal with 7 check-in desks, 3 gates, short security lines, and direct boarding from tarmac
Atmosphere: Relaxed, efficient, and community-oriented

Post-Closure: What’s Changed

All domestic flights now depart from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), 20 km from Tel Aviv center (CAPA)
Travel Time: 18–46 minutes by taxi or bus; ~20 minutes by train
Experience: Larger, busier terminals; longer check-in and security times; dedicated parking for Eilat flights in Terminal 1 (Times of Israel)
Costs: Higher taxi fares and longer journeys; additional transfers for Eilat flights now landing at Ramon Airport (Globes)
Amenities: More shops and services at Ben Gurion, but less intimacy and spontaneity

Current Site Access

As of mid-2025, the Sde Dov site is an active construction zone and not open to the public.
Visitors can view the area from nearby Ramat Aviv or along the Tel Aviv coastline.
Future plans include public parks, promenades, and heritage installations (S. Aronson Architects).

Access, Transportation, and Tickets

Getting to Ben Gurion Airport (Now the Hub for Domestic Flights)

By Taxi: 18–46 minutes (depending on traffic)
By Train: ~20 minutes from Tel Aviv stations
By Bus: Direct services, but allow extra time during rush hours
Car Hire: Available at Ben Gurion; generally more expensive than at Sde Dov

Ticketing

Purchase domestic tickets through airline websites (Arkia, Israir), travel agencies, or airport counters at Ben Gurion
Allow at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights due to increased security protocols

Nearby Attractions

Tel Baruch Beach: Adjacent to the former Sde Dov site, popular for its relaxed atmosphere
Tel Aviv Port Area: Vibrant restaurants, bars, and shops nearby
Yarkon Park: Expansive green space with walking and biking paths
Tel Aviv Promenade: Scenic coastal walkways connecting northern neighborhoods to downtown

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Sde Dov Airport open to visitors?
A: No, the airport closed in 2019 and is now under redevelopment. The site is not open to the public as of 2025.

Q: Where do domestic flights from Tel Aviv now depart?
A: All domestic flights operate from Ben Gurion Airport (Terminal 1).

Q: What are the best transportation options to Ben Gurion Airport?
A: Taxi, train, and direct bus services are all available. The train is often the fastest option.

Q: Are there any commemorative sites for Sde Dov’s history?
A: Plans are underway for heritage installations and possibly a museum as part of the redevelopment.

Q: What are the main attractions near the former Sde Dov site?
A: Tel Baruch Beach, Tel Aviv Port, Yarkon Park, and the city’s northern coastline.

Visuals & Media

Map showing location of Sde Dov Airport and Ben Gurion Airport relative to Tel Aviv city center

For a richer experience, refer to historical photographs, redevelopment master plan maps, and future architectural renderings (S. Aronson Architects).

Summary and Recommendations

Sde Dov Airport’s legacy is a testament to Tel Aviv’s evolution—blending national aviation milestones with the city’s relentless urban growth. While the airport is no longer operational and the site remains off-limits as of 2025, the transformation underway will ultimately create a new coastal district with housing, parks, commercial spaces, and commemorative elements. Travelers seeking to learn more or experience the area’s history can visit nearby attractions and keep an eye out for future public openings or heritage installations.

Stay updated on Tel Aviv’s urban changes by following Tel Aviv Municipality Urban Planning, viewing the S. Aronson Architects’ master plan, and reading reports from The Jerusalem Post. For guided tours and event updates, consider using the Audiala app.