US Air Force Begins Removing Tanker Aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport Amid Agreement Talks

The US Air Force has started removing some of its Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel, according to a report by N12 on August 6, 2026. This decision follows pressure from Israeli Transportation Minister Merav Regev on security officials to clear the tankers to ensure smooth airport operations during peak travel days.

August is expected to be one of the busiest months at Ben Gurion Airport since October 7, with over 2.6 million passengers projected to pass through. The removal of the tankers aims to maintain operational efficiency at the airport amid these high passenger volumes. The move coincides with ongoing negotiations on an impending agreement, though specific details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft had been parked at the airport for some time, and their clearance is intended to alleviate congestion and support the airport's capacity during this critical period. The report highlights the coordination between the Transportation Ministry and security agencies to balance military presence with civilian air traffic demands.