Fuel Tankers Begin Leaving Ben Gurion as Summer Traffic Surges

After four months, some of the fuel tankers parked at Ben Gurion Airport have begun leaving, easing fears that summer travel would be disrupted. In recent days, several aircraft were moved to other airports in the region, including Qatar and other Gulf states, and airport officials are now pressing for more to be removed so passenger flights can operate normally and without delays.

According to reports, Ben Gurion had hosted 74 fuel tankers, plus 20 more at Ramon Airport, effectively turning the airport grounds into an American air base. The aircraft occupied many of the civilian parking stands, raising concern that during the summer peak there would not be enough space for regular passenger planes, potentially causing cancellations.

The Airports Authority said Wednesday will be Ben Gurion’s busiest day since March 2024, with more than 75,000 passengers expected on inbound and outbound international flights. In July alone, more than 2 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport, about 25% more than in the same period last year.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev said her ministry is working to keep “open skies” ahead of the summer and meet rising demand. She said the preparations include intensive coordination with all relevant parties, including removing part of the American aircraft from Ben Gurion to expand flight offerings. Airports Authority chairman Yiftah Ron-Tal said the figures reflect the growth in aviation activity in Israel and renewed confidence from the public and foreign airlines, while the authority works to expand capacity while maintaining safety, security and service. As part of the summer preparations, Terminal 1 will reopen, domestic flights from it resume on June 28, 2026, and international flights on July 1, 2026. The authority advised passengers to check in early, verify their terminal, arrive three hours before departure, and confirm flight times with their airline.