US, Iran conflict could force Ben-Gurion Airport to cancel 30 flights daily through summer - report

Lead

As the conflict between the US and Iran intensifies, Ben-Gurion Airport is at the center of a dispute over the presence of US Air Force refueling aircraft that could lead to the cancellation of up to 30 flights per day during one of the busiest travel periods. Israeli officials and airline executives are divided over the severity of the situation, with some warning of significant disruptions and others insisting that the skies will remain open.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from the Jerusalem Post over the past week have outlined a series of developments, from an initial freeze on American tanker aircraft to emergency meetings and public assurances. The coverage highlights the operational strain on the airport, the financial toll on the Israel Airports Authority (IAA), and the differing perspectives of key stakeholders.

One report detailed that an emergency meeting was held at Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday, led by Transportation Minister Miri Regev, to address the risks of flight cancellations caused by the parked refueling aircraft. According to N12 News, the meeting determined that if seven more American refueling planes were added to the airport, bringing the total to 40, the airport would be forced to cancel 30 flights a day from August 1, leaving approximately 5,000 passengers without flights each day.

Another report quoted Israir CEO Uri Sirkis, who supported the Transport Ministry's decision to freeze the number of American tankers at the airport, saying the move was "the right thing" and could have been done sooner. Sirkis noted that parking space shortages and the ban on Israeli airlines flying to Dubai due to Iran-related risks have contributed to the concerns.

However, a contrasting report quoted Airports Authority Chairman Yiftach Ron-Tal, who disputed claims of upcoming cancellations, stating in an interview with KAN News: "There will be no flight cancellations." Ron-Tal emphasized that the IAA would do everything to keep Israeli skies open during a period important to the public, adding that daily passenger numbers had already reached 90,000.

The same report also quoted IAA CEO Sharon Kedmi, who warned that the volume of US refueling aircraft could prevent the airport from operating at full capacity, saying, "We cannot allow even one more refueling plane into Ben-Gurion Airport. If it does, we will start canceling flights."

Key Claims

• The Transport Ministry announced that the number of US refueling aircraft at Ben-Gurion Airport would be reduced to 20 by July 21, as agreed upon by relevant parties, with remaining aircraft transferred to IAF bases.

• According to N12, up to 50,000 flight tickets may be canceled due to the US decision to freeze the evacuation of its refuelers from Ben-Gurion Airport, as stated in a letter from IAA CEO Sharon Kedmi.

• The IAA reported that Ben-Gurion Airport was operating at one-third of its capacity due to the presence of US refueling aircraft, leading to a loss of 700 million shekels (approximately $248 million) over several months, with the figure potentially rising to billions if the situation continues.

• Ben-Gurion Airport is expected to handle over 500,000 passengers this week, with dozens of US refueling aircraft already deployed at multiple IAF bases and at Ramon Airport near Eilat.

• The US military is deploying F-35 aircraft from the UK and F-15 aircraft from Germany to the Middle East, as part of broader regional deployments.

Perspectives

Israir CEO Uri Sirkis: Sirkis backed the Transport Ministry's freeze on American tankers, arguing it should have been done earlier. He highlighted the parking space shortage at Ben-Gurion and the Dubai flight ban as factors, suggesting that tankers could park at IAF bases instead.

IAA Chairman Yiftach Ron-Tal: Ron-Tal firmly denied any imminent cancellations, insisting "There will be no flight cancellations" and that the IAA would keep the skies open. He expressed full agreement with the policy decisions from the emergency meeting.

IAA CEO Sharon Kedmi: Kedmi warned that without a freeze on additional refueling planes, cancellations would begin, saying, "The public needs to prepare for cancellations and delays." He also reported significant financial losses and reduced airport capacity.