Israel demands Santecum: Evacuate the 19 refueling planes remaining at Ben Gurion Airport

The Israel Airports Authority demands the completion of the evacuation of 19 American refueling planes from Ben Gurion Airport by the end of 2026, due to the return of civil aviation to regular volumes. Simultaneously, an ultimatum has been set for operations at Ramon Airport starting in November.

The Israel Airports Authority demands the completion of the evacuation of 19 American Air Force refueling planes from Ben Gurion Airport by the end of 2026. In a letter sent by the authority's director general, Sharon Kedmi, to the Ministry of Defense, he clarified that the continued operational activity of the American partner from civilian airports cannot continue in its current format, given the return of the aviation industry to regular activity volumes. According to authority data, in 2027 passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport is expected to reach the peak of 2019, which will require utilizing all parking stands and takeoff and landing slots for civilian flights. Kedmi warned that if the planes are not evacuated on time, the authority will be forced to make changes to the flight schedule, including reducing or canceling commercial flights. Simultaneously, a demand was also made regarding Ramon Airport: starting November 1, 2026, the airport will return to a routine of civilian activity and American refueling plane activity will no longer be permitted beyond defined operating hours. The authority bears alone the operational, security, and maintenance costs resulting from the American activity at Ramon, and demands the formulation of a financial and contractual arrangement.