Israel Moves US Air Refueling Planes from Ben Gurion Airport to Military Bases to Avoid Flight Disruptions

Following uncertainty over the presence of US air refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport, Israeli authorities have reached a resolution to prevent flight cancellations. According to a cabinet decision, by July 21 the number of US refueling planes stationed at Ben Gurion will be reduced to 20, with approximately ten additional planes relocated to Israeli Air Force bases designated by the Defense Ministry. This move comes after reports that the US had paused the removal of remaining tankers at the airport and that four more tankers landed overnight, raising concerns about parking shortages for commercial aircraft.

Sharon Kadmi, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority, warned that starting July 23, insufficient parking stands could affect around 50,000 monthly flight tickets. Transport Minister Miri Regev emphasized that no additional US tankers beyond the agreed 20 would be allowed to land at Ben Gurion, to protect the summer travel plans of hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens. She instructed the Airports Authority to enforce this limit and ensure the surplus tankers park at military bases.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran and ahead of expected peak travel periods in Israel. For now, no disruptions are anticipated at Ben Gurion, but the situation remains fluid. The Defense Ministry’s allocation of military bases for the tankers aims to balance operational needs with civilian air traffic demands.