Yiftach Ron-Tal, chairman of the Airports Authority, denied plans to close Ben-Gurion Airport and said no flight cancellations are expected, emphasizing coordination with security bodies. IAA CEO Sharon Kedmi warned that additional USAF refueling aircraft could strain capacity and force cancellations. An emergency meeting led by Transportation Minister Miri Regev found that seven extra refuelers could trigger about 30 daily cancellations affecting roughly 5,000 passengers; the ministry aims to limit refuelers at Ben-Gurion to 20 by July 21.
Ben-Gurion Will Stay Open, IAA Chairman Says — No Flight Cancellations Expected
American aircraft take off from Ben Gurion airport, during the Israel/US war with Iran, March 04, 2026. (photo credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)
Airports Authority (IAA) Chairman Yiftach Ron-Tal on Wednesday rejected reports that Ben-Gurion Airport will close or that scheduled flights will be widely canceled, telling KAN News there is no plan to shut Israel’s airspace despite the current sensitive strategic-security situation.
Ron-Tal was categorical: "There will be no flight cancellations." He added that the IAA is doing everything possible to keep civilian skies open during a high-demand season and highlighted rising passenger numbers: "We have already reached 90,000 passengers per day, and everything is done in coordination with the security establishment."
Capacity Concerns Over USAF Refuelers
His remarks followed warnings earlier the same day from IAA CEO Sharon Kedmi, who said the presence of multiple US Air Force (USAF) refueling aircraft at Ben-Gurion is constraining the airport’s ability to operate at full civilian capacity. Kedmi told reporters: "We are doing everything to avoid canceling flights. But we cannot allow even one more refueling plane into Ben-Gurion Airport. If it does, we will start canceling flights. The public needs to prepare for cancellations and delays."
Yiftah Ron-Tal at the annual Jerusalem Conference of the 'Besheva' group in Jerusalem, on February 25, 2024. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Key finding from an emergency assessment: The arrival of seven additional USAF refuelers could force roughly 30 canceled flights a day, affecting about 5,000 passengers.
Government Response
On Monday, Transportation Minister Miri Regev convened an urgent meeting at Ben-Gurion that included the directors-general of the Transportation Ministry and the IAA, along with other officials and experts. Ron-Tal said he supported the meeting's policy decisions "1,000%," stressing that authorities aim to preserve civilian flight operations while coordinating closely with the security establishment.
The Transportation Ministry announced last week that the number of USAF refuelers at Ben-Gurion will be limited to 20 by July 21, and that remaining aircraft will be moved to Israel Air Force bases where possible to reduce pressure on the civilian airport.
What Travelers Should Know
Authorities say they are working to avoid disruptions, but passengers should monitor airline notices and plan for possible delays during this busy travel period. The IAA and the Transportation Ministry continue to coordinate with security authorities to balance operational needs with national security requirements.
Reporting contributed by Esther Davis. Photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90.
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