The Transportation Ministry and airport officials warn that adding seven more US refuelling aircraft to Ben‑Gurion—bringing the total to 40—could force cancellation of about 30 flights per day from August 1, affecting roughly 5,000 passengers daily. An emergency meeting with Transportation Minister Miri Regev and senior aviation and defence officials concluded the increased military presence risks major disruptions during the peak summer travel season. Although a plan had been announced to reduce Ben‑Gurion’s refuellers to 20 by July 21, N12 reports say officials now expect additional US aircraft and are preparing contingency plans.
US–Iran Tensions Could Force Ben‑Gurion To Cancel 30 Flights Daily, Stranding ~5,000 Passengers
American aircraft take off from Ben Gurion airport, during the Israel/US war with Iran, March 04, 2026. (photo credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)
The escalating US–Iran tensions could seriously disrupt commercial travel at Israel's main international hub. Officials warn that if seven additional US military refuelling aircraft are based at Ben‑Gurion Airport—bringing the total to 40—the airport may need to cancel about 30 passenger flights per day starting August 1, affecting roughly 5,000 travellers each day.
Emergency meeting and findings
An emergency meeting at Ben‑Gurion on Monday brought together Transportation Minister Miri Regev, the directors‑general of the Transportation Ministry and the Israel Airports Authority, and senior aviation and defence professionals. Participants concluded that the growing presence of American refuelling planes at Israeli airports could cause significant cancellations and delays during the peak summer travel period.
US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft are parked at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026 (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)
Current deployments and operational strain
According to N12, Ben‑Gurion is already hosting a substantial number of US refuelling aircraft. Ilan and Asaf Ramon Airport in Eilat currently hosts 28 American planes, and more than 10 additional refuellers are stationed at Israel Air Force bases around the country. Officials say further additions at Ben‑Gurion would force slot reductions and flight cancellations to accommodate the military aircraft.
Planned adjustments and new concerns
Last week the Transport Ministry announced an agreement to reduce the number of US refuelling aircraft at Ben‑Gurion to 20 by July 21, with the remaining aircraft to be transferred to IDF bases designated by the Defence Ministry. The ministry said that arrangement was intended to allow necessary military operations while preserving aviation continuity and minimising disruptions during the busy summer period.
However, N12 reports from Monday indicate the Transportation Ministry no longer expects the US to relocate some refuellers and is instead preparing for the possibility of additional American aircraft arriving. Airport officials are now planning contingencies for potential cancellations beginning August 1.
Impact snapshot: If seven more refuellers arrive at Ben‑Gurion, expect about 30 cancelled flights per day and roughly 5,000 affected passengers daily during the height of the travel season.
Authorities say they will continue coordinating with the US military, the Defence Ministry and airport operators to reduce disruption, but travellers are advised to monitor airline notices and prepare for possible schedule changes through August.
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