Full Breakdown
U.S. Military Refueling Operations Cripple Ben-Gurion Airport Capacity
5/29/2026, 12:01:33 AM
U.S. Refueling Aircraft Occupy Ben-Gurion
On May 28 2026, Ben-Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main gateway near Tel Aviv, was reported to be operating at roughly one-third of its capacity because dozens of U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft are stationed there for refueling missions, displacing civilian flight operations.
Key Officials and Military
Sharon Kedmi, director general of the Israel Airports Authority, and Shmuel Zakay, head of the Civil Aviation Authority, are the main Israeli officials commenting. The United States Air Force operates the tanker fleet; the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and State Department have been contacted for comment.
Data and Financial Losses
U.S. aircraft occupy about 70 % of activity, limiting civilian use to roughly one-third of capacity. Projected passenger traffic of 18 million is expected to fall short of 15 million, with up to 3 million cancellations. The airport has lost 700 million shekels (? $248 million) in two months; losses could rise to billions if the situation persists.
Implications for Flights and Economy
The capacity shortfall threatens extensive summer flight cancellations, delays the return of foreign carriers, and may raise airfares for Israeli travelers. Financial strain on the Israel Airports Authority could affect the broader tourism sector and related services.
Official Statements
Kedmi told Kan’s Reshet Bet radio the airport is at the limit of its capabilities and that flight cancellations are unavoidable, noting no timeline for ending U.S. activity. Zakay, speaking to the Transportation Minister, said the airport has become a military airfield with limited civilian activity, harming local carriers.
Criticism of Military Presence
Kedmi and Zakay attribute the curtailment of civilian flights to space and resources commandeered by U.S. tanker aircraft, arguing the military presence is the primary cause of delayed foreign airline returns and higher ticket prices.
U.S. Officials' Unanswered Questions
The U.S. Embassy referred inquiries to the State Department, which has not issued a comment, and no official U.S. timeline for ending the refueling operations has been disclosed.
Quotes
- “We are only utilizing one-third of the airport’s operational capacity.” — Sharon Kedmi, Director General, Israel Airports Authority
- “We are at the limit of our capabilities. There will be flights that we will announce in the coming days that are being cancelled.” — Sharon Kedmi
- “We have no information when the U.S. military’s activities at the airport will end. We are in a constant state of flux.” — Sharon Kedmi
- “Ben-Gurion has turned into a military airfield with limited civilian activity.” — Shmuel Zakay, head of the Civil Aviation Authority
Next Steps
The Israel Airports Authority will announce further flight cancellations in the coming days, and financial forecasts warn of escalating losses if the U.S. refueling presence continues. Israeli officials await clarification from U.S. authorities on the operation’s duration.