Against the backdrop of escalating security tensions and U.S. strikes in Iran, one issue back in the spotlight is the large number of U.S. military aircraft parked at Ben Gurion Airport. Israel’s Transport Ministry is working to prevent the occupation of gates needed by commercial airlines, which could disrupt flight schedules and airport operations. Transport Minister Miri Regev has ordered a reduction in the number of military aircraft at the airport, declaring: “Not a single plane ticket will be canceled.”
Photo: Yossi Aloni/Flash90
Regev has ordered a freeze on approvals for additional U.S. refueling aircraft to land at Ben Gurion and instructed officials to examine alternative airfields. According to current data, 29 U.S. military aircraft are currently parked at the airport, with four more recently added.
According to sources involved in the matter, the goal is to gradually reduce the number of U.S. military aircraft parked at Ben Gurion to around 20—a level considered manageable for maintaining normal airport operations without disrupting commercial airlines or inconveniencing passengers.
Meanwhile, Regev said she is working with all relevant parties to find a solution that will preserve normal operations at Ben Gurion even during this sensitive security period. According to her, the goal is to prevent any disruption for passengers and ensure that absolutely no flights will be canceled due to the security escalation.
The move comes at a time when Ben Gurion is experiencing a significant recovery, with more foreign airlines resuming flights to Israel, Terminal 1 reopened for international travel, and passenger traffic on the rise. The Transport Ministry hopes to prevent a shortage of aircraft parking positions from undermining the aviation sector’s recovery momentum.
As regional tensions remain high, further adjustments cannot be ruled out as authorities work to keep Ben Gurion operating without disruption.