Just 20 US refueling planes to remain at Ben Gurion Airport by July 21 in move to avert summer travel disruptions

Transportation Minister Miri Regev announces that by July 21, the number of US refueling aircraft stationed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport will be reduced to 20, to avert disruptions of commercial flight operations during the peak summer months.

Currently there are 33 US aerial refueling tankers parked at the country’s main airport, crowding out civilian planes and creating a parking shortage. Following a cabinet decision, the number of US military planes will be capped at 20 as previously agreed, the Transportation Ministry says in a statement.

Additional US aircraft will be relocated and stationed at IDF bases designated by the Defense Ministry.

“This move is intended to enable continued operational activity while maintaining civil aviation operations and minimizing flight cancellations as much as possible,” the ministry says.

Earlier this week, the Israel Airports Authority warned that unless US aircraft continue to be removed from Ben Gurion Airport during the busy summer months, as many as 50,000 flight tickets could be at risk of cancellation.