New Cruise Terminal Opens at the Port of Haifa: Capacity of 1 Million Passengers
On May 14, 2026, a new passenger cruise terminal was put into operation at the Port of Haifa. The project is aimed at restoring maritime tourism in Israel and significantly increasing the capacity of the country’s main northern port.
Funding and Capacity
Over 16 million shekels were invested in the construction and modernization of the new complex. The main technical achievement of the project is the ability to receive and service two large cruise liners simultaneously. Thanks to this upgrade, the Port of Haifa will be able to handle up to 1 million passengers per year, which is double the capacity of previous peak periods.
Infrastructure and Passenger Amenities
The total area of the new passenger complex is 5,500 square meters. The terminal’s layout is designed according to the standards of modern international airports to optimize passenger flow:
Check-in and control zone
The check-in space occupies 1,000 square meters. It is equipped with service counters, including special desks for people with disabilities, and a navigation system in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The border control complex, covering an area of 1,200 square meters, includes 28 passport control booths.
Security and commercial zones.
The security screening area (1,300 square meters) is equipped with modern baggage and cargo scanning systems. A Duty Free shop spanning approximately 600 square meters is available for waiting passengers. The terminal’s interior is complemented by porthole-styled windows featuring images of world landmarks.
Impact on the Tourism Industry
The opening of the terminal coincides with the start of the cruise season. The port authority considers this step a necessary measure to return Israel to the international map of maritime routes after a difficult security period.
Since May 14, cruises by Israeli operators have already been departing from Haifa, and in the future, the updated infrastructure will allow the port to receive mega-liners from international cruise companies.
