US refuelers at Ben Gurion could ground 2.4 million summer travelers, Regev warns
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- Transportation Minister Miri Regev warned that unless many US military aircraft parked at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport are relocated, around 2.4 million summer and holiday season plane tickets may be canceled due to airport congestion.
- Regev highlighted the potential economic loss of billions of shekels to airlines, tourism, and the broader economy, and stressed the damage to Israel’s credibility as an aviation destination.
- Approximately 72 US refuelers and cargo planes occupy Ben Gurion Airport, limiting commercial flight operations and increasing operational costs for Israeli airlines, with another 26 American aircraft stationed at Ramon airport.
- The Israel Airports Authority has set a June 16 deadline to notify airlines about possible flight cancellations starting July 1, with passenger traffic expected to rise to 70,000-100,000 daily in August, exceeding airport capacity.
- Regev called for the immediate relocation of about 30 US aircraft to other airports or Air Force bases in Israel to alleviate congestion, emphasizing the importance of US security cooperation while seeking a practical solution.