Israel Demands US Military Refuelers Leave Ben Gurion Airport

Israel's Airports Authority has formally demanded the removal of 19 U.S. military refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion International Airport by the end of 2026. The authority cited a critical shortage of airport infrastructure needed to handle a projected surge in commercial air traffic, which is expected to reach pre-war levels by 2027. Sharon Kedmi, Director General of the Airports Authority, stated in a letter to the Ministry of Defense that while the presence of U.S. allies is recognized for regional security, their current operational format is incompatible with the rapid growth of commercial aviation.

The Airports Authority warned that failure to comply with the deadline will force operational measures, including adjusting flight schedules, reducing, or canceling commercial flights, leading to significant economic, legal, and reputational damage. The issue of limited airport capacity was highlighted last August when over 2.6 million passengers passed through Ben Gurion, causing multi-hour delays, including one 12-hour delay that required splitting a flight between two smaller planes.

Additionally, Ramon Airport, Israel's southern gateway, will revert to standard civilian operating hours from November 1, 2026, ending regular night shifts, which will restrict U.S. Air Force access. The Airports Authority also raised financial concerns, demanding a formal agreement for compensation for security, maintenance, and infrastructure costs incurred by the U.S. forces at Ramon, which are currently being covered by the authority's own funds.