Rising Gulf Tensions Threaten Thousands of Flight Cancellations at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport

Israeli authorities are closely monitoring escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf between the United States and Iran, which could impact daily life in Israel even without direct attacks on the country. On Monday, an emergency meeting was held at Ben Gurion Airport involving Transportation Minister Miri Regev, directors from the Ministry of Transportation and the Airports Authority, and other experts. The meeting resulted in a critical decision affecting Israel's flight operations.

The decision states that if the number of American refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion reaches 40, starting August 1, approximately 30 flights per day will be canceled. This would affect around 5,000 flight tickets daily. The cancellations are due to congestion caused by the presence of U.S. refueling planes stationed at both military and civilian airports amid regional tensions.

Officials clarified that if an additional seven U.S. refueling aircraft are added to Ben Gurion Airport, flight operations will have to be significantly reduced. This measure is particularly impactful during the summer, one of the busiest travel periods at the airport.