Jetex and Layam Launch New VIP Lounges at Terminal 3

Jetex Group from the UAE—the world's leading operator of luxury lounges and private aviation terminals in more than 40 destinations, including Paris, Singapore, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi—together with Layam from the Teddy Sagi Group, a leader in retail and services at Israel's sea and air ports, launched a new VIP lounge yesterday (Monday, August 10, 2026) at Ben Gurion Airport. The lounge, built according to Jetex's global luxury standards and specifications, is the first of two the companies will operate in Terminal 3, which together will offer passengers 620 square meters of international-standard hospitality spaces.

The first lounge, inaugurated yesterday, is located in the duty-free area near the synagogue, spans 250 square meters, and was designed to the global Jetex luxury standard. It includes advanced furniture and special ambient lighting, a root-inspired Israeli menu led by Chef Eitan Mizrahi, a dessert bar by Dudu Otmazgin, Nespresso coffee, and a selection of premium international alcohol brands. The second lounge, spanning 370 square meters, will open in the coming months.

The interior design of the lounge was entrusted to Michael Azoulay Studio, one of Israel's leaders in boutique and luxury hotel design, together with Yaara Goner, the Teddy Sagi Group architect responsible for the design language of the group's properties worldwide, including the flagship Camden Market project in London. The two chose a design language featuring warm earth tones, natural materials, and soft lighting—a design that speaks an international language but is rooted in a local Israeli feel.

The culinary aspect of the lounge is led by Chef Eitan Mizrahi, who served for over a decade as the chef of the Royal Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv, leading a menu inspired by Israeli cuisine. The dessert bar features creations by Dudu Otmazgin, one of Israel’s most esteemed pastry chefs, who will provide desserts for the lounge on a regular basis. Alongside these, high-quality Nespresso coffee and a bar including a variety of premium international alcohol brands will be served.

The first lounge opening today covers 250 square meters in the duty-free area near the synagogue in Terminal 3. The lounge includes new, advanced furniture selected for long-term seating comfort, a new lighting system combining ambient and task lighting, charging sockets at every seating station, and fast wireless internet. Seating areas are divided between quiet business corners for professionals and relaxation areas for travelers, among others.

The lounge complex was designed as a quiet space for waiting, working, and resting—away from the hustle and bustle of the duty-free hall—and also allows for business meetings to be held within the lounge. In parallel, Layam and Jetex are establishing a digital customer club that will allow passengers to book services, track flight times, and accumulate benefits even before arriving at the airport.

Premium class passengers and eligible club members will be permitted to enter the lounge free of charge. American Express customers holding luxury cards are entitled to free entry upon presentation of the physical card (not in a digital wallet), with guest entry permitted according to the terms listed on the American Express website. This is due to an exclusive credit card agreement between American Express and Jetex.

Additionally, the lounge is open to business class passengers of foreign airlines operating at Ben Gurion Airport, including Etihad, British Airways, and Air France. Other strategic customers who will enjoy free entry to the lounge include members of the Israel Medical Association and other institutional bodies that have long-term collaborations with the group. The new lounge is also open for entry with a one-time fee for any passenger—at a cost of $100 per person, as is customary at leading airports worldwide.

Jetex and Layam won the Israel Airports Authority tender last year to operate two lounges at Ben Gurion Airport, after prevailing over the Fattal Group and the Belgian company Aviapartner. The tender terms grant the companies operating rights for six years, with an option to extend for an additional three years. In 2025, the turnover of luxury lounges at Ben Gurion Airport reached more than 85 million NIS.

Sharon Agobel and Itay Lev, Co-CEOs of Layam: "We are proud to bring an innovative hospitality concept to Ben Gurion Airport that puts the passenger at the center. We listened to passengers and built exactly what they asked for—a beautiful and comfortable space, international-level facilities, and light, delicious, high-quality food. We are committed to providing our customers with the best conditions on their way abroad, combining luxury with uncompromising service."

Layam, part of the Teddy Sagi Group, is one of Israel's veteran trade and service companies. The company operates in the fields of duty-free, retail, and services at air and sea ports, operating duty-free shops at Ben Gurion Airport, supply and logistics systems for ships, and services for passengers and airlines. Sagi acquired the company in 2018 from the Sakal family for approximately 40 million NIS.

Jetex, headquartered in Dubai with approximately 750 employees, provides end-to-end aviation services—private terminals, ground handling and fueling, hospitality lounges, and VIP complexes. The company operates in more than 40 destinations, including Dubai, Paris, Marseille, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Muscat, Singapore, Japan, Brazil, and the UK.

American Express is a global payments, lifestyle, and premium brand that provides its customers worldwide with products, services, and unique experiences to enrich their lives and support their success. The company was founded in 1850 and is headquartered in New York. The American Express brand is built on trust, security, and service, alongside a rich history of innovation and providing value to club members. The company works to provide the best customer experience every day for a wide range of customers—individuals, small and medium businesses, and corporations—and manages and develops relationships with millions of businesses across its global network.

https://www.americanexpress.co.il

(Photo: Alon Barhom)