Ben Gurion Airport Crisis Deepens as Officials Weigh Flight Cancellations and Possible Solutions

First report: As the aircraft parking crisis at Ben Gurion Airport worsens and threatens the travel plans of more than two million passengers, two possible solutions are emerging. Among the options under consideration are a proposal to move part of Ben Gurion’s activity to Ramon Airport, as well as a change in the schedules of nighttime flights and shifting them to the morning and afternoon hours.

The developments come against the background of a report last night on News 13, according to which the Israel Airports Authority is warning of damage to civilian aviation activity at Ben Gurion Airport as a result of the continued parking of American refueling aircraft at the airport. In an emergency discussion convened Wednesday evening, the authority warned that the continued occupation of parking stands by American aircraft could worsen congestion and lead to significant disruptions in routine operations.

The meaning is that if dozens of military aircraft are not removed in the coming days, the cancellation of 2.2 million tickets between July and October is expected. The Israel Airports Authority said the airport is operating under heavy pressure, and that any harm to stand availability and operational capability could affect airlines and the traveling public.

During the discussions, concerns were also raised about the continued impact of the security situation on the Israeli aviation sector, which has already been dealing with major challenges since the outbreak of the fighting. Sources familiar with the details said ongoing coordination is taking place between civilian and security bodies in order to reduce the damage to air operations and allow Ben Gurion Airport to continue functioning as normally as possible.