Ramon Airport (Isreal) (AFP) - Isreal inaugurated a new international airport in its desert south meant to boost tourism to the nearby Red Sea and serve as an emergency alternative to Tel Aviv's Ben - Gurion airport.
The new airport named after Ilan Ramon, Isreal's first astronaut who died in the crash of the space shuttle Columbia, will in the future host jumbo jets from around the globe.
It website says that it will be able to initially handle up to two million passengers anually, but will be able to expand to a capacity of 4.2 million by 2030.
It says that it has a 3,600-metre - long runway and apron parking space for nine large and wide - body aircraft. It also has freight - handling facilities.
Jordan rejects the establishment of the Isreals airport in its current location saying it would threatens the kingdom's airspace.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the inauguration ceremony at the sleek terminal, arriving on the ceremonial first flight to the airport, whose location has upset neighbouring Jordan. That it will handle only domestics flights operated by Isreal carriers Arkia and Isair. A date has not yet been given for the start of international flights.
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