Ben Gurion parking crunch could force 100,000 summer flight cancellations

Israel Airports Authority chief executive Sharon Kadmi warned the Transportation Ministry that a shortage of aircraft parking stands at Ben Gurion Airport could force mass cuts to summer schedules. In a sharp letter sent on Sunday, he said the situation, tied to American refueling aircraft that have been occupying civilian stands, threatens holiday travel for many Israelis.

Kadmi wrote that only 65 of the 99 stands reserved for passenger planes are currently available, while at least 80 are needed for normal operations in July. He said that without a concrete evacuation plan and binding timetable, there would be no choice but to notify airlines within 24 hours that flight schedules must be adjusted, which would mean canceling about 100,000 tickets.

The crisis has continued since the end of Operation "Roar of the Lion," and Israeli officials are trying to get the Americans to remove the refueling aircraft that have remained at the airport. According to the report, the planes have been on the ground well before February 28, when the campaign against Iran began.

The Transportation Ministry is holding urgent talks, including with Transportation Minister Miri Regev, in an effort to avoid disruptions. Kadmi also warned that by August, all 99 passenger aircraft parking positions at Ben Gurion will have to be fully cleared.