Ben Gurion Airport CEO Warns Flight Cancellations If More US Tanker Planes Arrive

Sharon Kadmi, CEO of Israel Airports Authority, warned on Tuesday that Ben Gurion Airport will not be able to operate all scheduled flights if additional US aerial refueling tankers are stationed there. Speaking on Kan News, Kadmi said the airport is doing everything possible to avoid flight cancellations but emphasized that no more tankers can be accommodated without disrupting civilian air traffic. "If another tanker enters Ben Gurion, we will begin canceling flights," he stated, urging the public to prepare for delays and cancellations.

This development follows Transport Minister Merav Michaeli's recent decision to lift previous restrictions on US tanker landings at Ben Gurion. However, Michaeli stressed that the number of tankers parked at the airport will be limited according to agreements, with excess aircraft redirected to Israeli Air Force bases in coordination with the Defense Ministry. The Transport Ministry explained that this move aims to maintain operational continuity while preserving civilian aviation.

Last week, the US government informed Israel of plans to increase the regional deployment of tanker aircraft, potentially involving dozens of planes to support possible strikes against Iran. Israeli security officials have indicated that in the event of escalation with Iran, security needs will override all other considerations, including civilian airport operations. Additionally, the US is also sending fighter jets to the Middle East alongside the tankers.