The United States is keeping a substantial contingent of refueling planes at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, a decision that has led to protests from Israeli officials concerned about potential impacts on the upcoming summer travel season. Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev stated that the presence of more than 30 US refueling aircraft, exceeding the airport's capacity of 20, is unacceptable and risks disrupting flights for approximately 50,000 travelers.
Regev asserted that the government had promised to facilitate commercial flights and avoid cancellations. She instructed that no more than the agreed-upon 20 US refueling tankers be allowed to land at Ben Gurion, with any additional aircraft to be diverted to Israeli Air Force bases.
The US had initially deployed about 75 refuelers and cargo planes to the airport prior to the start of the war with Iran on February 28. While some aircraft have been moved out this month, the recent escalation in fighting with Iran has resulted in more than 30 refuelers remaining at the airport as Israel's peak summer travel season begins.
According to reports, the military aircraft presence has hindered Ben Gurion Airport's return to normal commercial operations. Local airlines have warned that increased operational costs associated with the situation could be passed on to passengers.
This issue arises amid renewed conflict between Washington and Tehran, with both nations exchanging actions in recent days over the Strait of Hormuz. The US conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites on Tuesday, aimed at degrading Iran's capacity to threaten shipping in the vital waterway. No immediate response was available from the US Department of Defense regarding the situation at Ben Gurion Airport.