US Halts Removal of Refueling Planes at Ben Gurion Airport, Threatening 50,000 Flight Tickets

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the United States has decided to freeze the evacuation of dozens of refueling aircraft still stationed at Ben Gurion Airport. According to initial plans, around eight planes were expected to be removed by the end of the week, but this schedule is now uncertain. Sharon Kadmi, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority, warned in a letter to Transportation Ministry CEO Moshe Ben Zaken that if the agreed evacuation plan is not immediately renewed, a significant shortage of parking spaces for passenger planes will arise starting July 23. This shortage could force the Airports Authority to cancel approximately 10 flights daily, affecting about 50,000 flight tickets per month.

Compounding the issue, four additional planes landed in Israel overnight despite the freeze. In response, Transportation Minister Merav Regev has ordered that no further landings be approved without prior clearance from the Defense Ministry. This situation unfolds as Israel prepares for peak passenger traffic in the coming weeks. The Airports Authority expects daily passenger numbers to exceed 80,000 on weekdays through the end of July, with a record 91,000 passengers anticipated on Thursday. On Sunday, July 26, about 90,000 passengers are expected, and the monthly peak is forecast for Thursday, July 30, with approximately 94,000 passengers across 560 flights. July is projected to see around 2.3 million passengers, marking a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.