US Refueling Planes Remain at Ben Gurion Airport Amid Iran Tensions, Threatening Flight Cancellations

The escalating security tensions with Iran have halted the planned removal of US refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport, raising concerns over potential disruptions to summer flights. Overnight, four additional US refueling planes landed in Israel, bringing the total to 33 such aircraft occupying parking spaces also used by civilian planes. The Israel Airports Authority warns that if the situation does not improve soon, airlines may be forced to cancel tens of thousands of tickets starting early August.

Sharon Kadmi, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority, sent a letter on Tuesday to the Transportation Minister and other officials, cautioning that the shortage of parking spots for commercial aircraft could severely impact airport operations during the peak summer season. He stressed that if the evacuation plan is not resumed promptly, the authority will have to notify airlines to reduce their activity as per protocol.

The suspension of the refueling planes' removal is directly linked to the Iran-related security escalation. Eighteen planes scheduled for removal in the latter half of July remain at the airport, joined by the four recent arrivals. Senior aviation officials noted this scenario was pre-agreed between Israel and the US, allowing immediate return of US refueling planes to Ben Gurion in case of heightened conflict.

Beyond the risk of ticket cancellations, the lack of parking space is expected to cause delays in takeoffs and landings amid growing passenger volumes. By Thursday, around 90,000 travelers are expected to pass through the airport, with numbers projected to exceed this in August.

Additionally, the Shin Bet has extended the ban on Israeli airlines El Al, Arkia, and Israir flying to the United Arab Emirates until the end of October 2026 due to regional security concerns. Foreign carriers like Etihad and Flydubai continue normal operations. Passengers who purchased tickets on Israeli airlines to the UAE before February 28 will receive cancellations and refunds.

About two and a half weeks ago, the Transportation Ministry announced an agreement with the US military for the gradual removal of refueling planes to Israeli airbases, which had alleviated fears of mass ticket cancellations. However, with the evacuation now halted and the US fleet reinforced at Ben Gurion, those concerns have resurfaced.