Israel Demands US Military Refuelers Leave Ben Gurion Airport by Year-End

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has formally requested that the U.S. military remove 19 of its Air Force refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport by the end of 2026. In a letter to the Ministry of Defense, IAA Director General Shimon Kudmi stated that with civilian air traffic returning to pre-war levels, the continued operational presence of U.S. "partners" at civilian airports is no longer feasible.

Kudmi acknowledged the strategic and security importance of the U.S. aircraft presence in Israel but emphasized that their continued operation alongside a recovering civilian aviation sector is unsustainable. The IAA projects that passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport will reach 2019 levels by 2027, necessitating the full use of all parking stands and air traffic control slots for civilian flights.

The IAA warned that failure to vacate the premises on time could directly impact flight schedules, potentially leading to reductions or cancellations of commercial flights with significant operational, public, economic, and legal consequences. The demand extends to Ramon Airport, where the IAA seeks to renegotiate the U.S. military's operational status. Starting November 1, 2026, Ramon Airport will revert to full civilian operations, including limited night activity, restricting the refueling planes' operational hours.

Furthermore, the IAA is currently covering the operational, security, and maintenance costs associated with the U.S. presence at Ramon Airport. They are demanding a financial and contractual agreement to regulate any continued presence, viewing such an arrangement as a shared national interest.