Israeli Transport Minister Limits US Tanker Aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport Amid Summer Flight Concerns

On February 25, 2026, Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev instructed the Israel Airports Authority to prohibit additional US tanker aircraft from landing at Ben Gurion Airport beyond the 20 currently stationed there. She demanded the immediate removal of 13 tankers to prevent disruptions to commercial flights during the upcoming summer vacation period, when hundreds of thousands of tickets have already been purchased. Despite the directive, a US tanker landed shortly afterward; officials clarified it was only for refueling and would not remain overnight.

The decision follows concerns over limited parking slots for passenger planes, which had previously led to severe restrictions on flights to Israel. After a ceasefire and with summer approaching, flight activity at Ben Gurion has intensified, increasing pressure on the Transport Ministry to resolve the issue to avoid cancellations affecting Israeli travelers.

Following an earlier agreement to cap US tankers at 20, some aircraft were relocated to Ramon Airport near Eilat. However, renewed regional tensions between the US and Iran, including attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and US military responses, have heightened the US military’s need for readily available tanker support at Ben Gurion. The Transport Ministry emphasized that the recent tanker landing complied with the minister’s instructions and reaffirmed ongoing cooperation with US partners.

The cabinet-approved limit aims to balance the operational needs of the US military with the continuity of Israeli civilian air travel and national security. The escalation in regional hostilities underscores the strategic importance of the tankers, some of which arrived from Gulf states under Iranian attack. The Transport Ministry stressed Minister Regev’s commitment to Israeli citizens’ travel rights and security.