Israel's Prime Minister's Office has announced plans to construct a new international airport in the northern Negev, aiming to boost economic development in the region and reduce disparities between central and peripheral areas. The initiative, coordinated with the Transportation and Finance Ministries, will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval and is part of a broader strategy that also includes an additional airport in Kiryat Shmona. The new airport is intended to alleviate congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, which is expected to reach capacity by 2040, and to stimulate job creation in the south.

Despite the government's optimism, the proposed Ziklag site has raised concerns due to its proximity to Gaza and potential complications with Israel's flight path network. The project's estimated cost is 7 billion shekels, and some industry experts worry it could face challenges similar to those encountered by Ramon Airport near Eilat. Alternative sites were considered, but officials ultimately determined that security risks at Ziklag were manageable. The announcement follows recent news of a major investment by a European airline in the Israeli market.