After many years of operating solely as a domestic airport, Haifa Airport is entering a new phase as Layam has won the Airports Authority’s tender to open a duty-free shop—the first of its kind there in many years.

Layam, one of Israel’s most established duty-free operators, already runs stores at Ben Gurion Airport and the seaports of Haifa and Ashdod. The new shop at Haifa Airport is expected to open within a few weeks, with construction work beginning in the coming days.

The store will span approximately 200 square meters and offer international travelers a wide range of tax-free products, including perfumes, alcoholic beverages, electronics, and tobacco. The contract is valid for up to four years, with an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

As in Ben Gurion’s duty-free shop, travelers at Haifa Airport will be able to leave their purchases at the airport and collect them upon returning to Israel—a service that allows for a more relaxed vacation without carrying extra baggage.

A Terminal with 90 Years of History

Haifa Airport is Israel’s oldest international airport and the country’s third largest. It was established by the British in 1934 and is located at the eastern entrance to the city of Haifa. Recently, the Israel Airports Authority significantly upgraded the terminal, which has resumed full operations, including flights to Eilat and international destinations.

The airport now serves as the home base of Air Haifa, which operates flights to Larnaca in Cyprus, Athens in Greece, and Ramon Airport in southern Israel.