Ramon Airport to Restrict Night Operations for US Refueling Planes

Ramon Airport will cease nighttime operations starting November 1, impacting approximately 25 U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft that were recently relocated from Ben Gurion Airport. The Israel Airports Authority cited staff shortages and increased workload in recent months as the reason for the operational change, stating that continued nighttime service is not feasible. The authority advised the U.S. military to find alternative solutions for its aircraft during the restricted hours. These refueling planes regularly operate from Israel for missions across the Middle East, despite Israel not being directly involved in recent escalations between the U.S. and Iran or Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The restrictions mean these U.S. aircraft will be unable to take off or land at Ramon between midnight and 4 a.m.

The decision comes despite the recent transfer of most U.S. refueling aircraft to Ramon from Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. military has been informed that they need to find operational solutions elsewhere for the nighttime hours.